Life After Concussion: Real Stories, Real Challenges, Real Hope
For many people, a concussion is something they bounce back from quickly—a few days of rest, maybe some headaches or fatigue or dizziness—and then life moves on. But for others, the impact of a concussion can linger far longer than expected.
Living with the effects of a concussion can be confusing, exhausting, and at times, deeply isolating. You may look completely fine on the outside, but inside, your world has shifted. That’s the common theme in the stories we hear from concussion and brain injury survivors—and it’s a big reason why it’s important that we keep hearing and sharing their stories.
Whether you’ve never dealt with a concussion before, are in the process of your own concussion or brain injury journey, or are the friend or family member of someone who’s a survivor, we wanted to share what life after concussion looks like through the lens of those who are currently walking this path. We hope it raises awareness about what life can look like after a concussion, and to remind survivors that healing is possible, and support is out there.
The Challenge of an Invisible Injury
The experience is common. When you don’t have a cast, a scar, or something others can visibly point to, it can be difficult to feel believed or understood.
Katherine Snedaker, the founder of PINK Concussions—the first-ever non-profit organization to focus on brain injury education and medical care for women and girls—knows this well. Snedaker has experienced several concussions, the most recent one happening when she fell and broke her wrist. “I was more impacted by my concussion than I was by my wrist injury,” she said. “But because I had plaster and it was visible, that’s what people responded to.”
When an injury is invisible, people may unintentionally minimize it. But brain injuries deserve care, understanding, and time, just like any other injury.
Recovery Isn’t Always Straightforward
Some survivors find that their symptoms stick around—or return unexpectedly. Concussion survivor Didi Greene says that’s been one of the most disorienting parts of her diagnosis. “I didn’t know you could reactivate your symptoms,” she said. “We don’t know that until we’re on the floor—or blinded because of light sensitivity.”
That’s why education and early support are so critical. Kellie Pokrifka, a brain injury survivor and a member of the Brain Association of America’s Advisory Council who spoke at a recent Concussion Awareness Now webinar, also reflected on how she wished she’d known more at the beginning of her journey. “I had so many concussions growing up—and embarrassingly, I thought it was sort of a badge of honor.”
Her last concussion, which occurred 11 years ago, has come with “disabling pain” and a range of symptoms that still affect her to this day. “It has deeply impacted me,” she said. “I don’t want everyone to think that this will be your trajectory—most people do not end up with this long of symptoms—but just be aware that it can happen.”
Every brain is different. Every recovery path is different. And that’s okay.
Support Is There—Even In the Toughest Moments
The emotional toll of a concussion can catch people off guard. Beyond the physical symptoms, survivors often describe losing parts of themselves: their routines, hobbies, friendships, or career paths. And that can be incredibly hard.
“Our brains control everything,” said survivor Matthew O’Connell. “So when our brains aren’t functioning properly, it literally impacts every aspect of what we identify as being human.” He goes on to say that he lost a lot of friendships during this time, but he also shared that “the more times I share my story with people, the more they open up.”
Connection and community can be powerful tools in healing. Snedaker pointed out how crucial support groups have been for many people. “The isolation of brain injury is very real,” she said. “But finding support—finding people who get it—can be life-changing.”
There Are Paths Forward, And You’re Not Alone
Living with a concussion, especially when symptoms linger, can feel discouraging. But please know: there are paths forward.
“It’s interesting how the body can naturally figure out how to respond,” O’Connell said. “There are a lot of things I did [to aid in recovery] that were helpful without knowing I was following procedures that people were recommending—using the dark mode on screens, taking more naps. I had to learn to pace myself and go with my gut.” This pacing was especially helpful to O’Connell as he worked to get his undergraduate degree in English after his concussion.
Organizations like ours, and the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), exist to help survivors and their loved ones navigate their confusion, find trusted resources, and feel less alone in the process. Whether you’re just starting your recovery or have been living with post-concussion effects for years, resources and support are available. BIAA’s Brain Injury Information Center is a great starting point. You can speak with a caring professional by calling 1-800-444-6443.
Recovery might not look like what you expected. It may take longer than you hoped. But healing is possible. And life after concussion—though it may look different—can still be meaningful and joyful.