If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually going on inside your head during a concussion, here’s the lowdown—plus a personal tale of the ups, downs, and strange cravings that come with living through it.
1. What Happens to Your Brain When You Get a Concussion?
Think of your brain as a jiggly blob of Jell-O floating in a protective fluid inside your skull. It’s like a wobbly, delicate passenger on a roller coaster. Usually, this setup is enough to keep your brain secure. But when you get a strong hit to the head, your brain crashes into the inside of your skull, jolting around in ways that it’s absolutely not meant to.
The neurons—tiny brain cells that send signals—get stretched and twisted, messing up their ability to communicate. It’s like your brain’s Wi-Fi signal has gone haywire, leaving you in a foggy, dysfunctional state.
In short: The hit rattles your brain, and for a while, everything is a bit scrambled. It’s like trying to run a computer that’s overheating and in desperate need of a reboot.
2. How Can You Get a Concussion? And How Does it Feel?
Concussions aren’t just reserved for sports injuries and superhero-level stunts; sometimes life’s just…clumsy. Here are a few common ways people end up with concussions (and yes, these examples may be painfully familiar):
A. The Epic Fail Moment
We’ve all had those moments where we felt invincible—whether it’s attempting a jump that’s just a little too ambitious or getting a little too brave on wheels. When these stunts go wrong, the crash can lead to a concussion faster than you can say “bad idea.”
B. Sports Hits and Mishaps
Contact sports are known for their risk of concussion, but even activities considered “low-contact” can lead to one if you take a bad fall or have a head-to-head collision. My concussion history started with a childhood bike accident. Then came a surfboard to the head. After that, an iron gate bashed my forehead. Later, I fainted and hit a door frame during a party. The fifth happened sparring with an overzealous boxer in practice. Finally, my current concussion is an aggravated one, from being hit by a car while still recovering from the previous incident. Unfortunately, once you’ve had one concussion, it’s easier to get another since each impact weakens the protective tissues around your brain.
C. The Classic “I’m Just Clumsy” Bump
It doesn’t take much—a cabinet door, a quick slip, or a clumsy fall can give you a concussion in an instant. For some of us, the danger lies more in the furniture than in any sports field!
How Do Concussion Symptoms Actually Feel? (Spoiler: It’s Not Great)
Here’s where the story gets personal. After getting a concussion, I experienced a whirlwind of strange symptoms that gave me a brand-new respect for my brain. Here’s what my days started looking like:
The Energizer Bunny Effect…Followed by a Crash
Right after a concussion, you might feel surprisingly energized and “fine,” almost like you’re running on some mysterious power boost. But then, without warning, your body demands a nap—now. I’d be going about my day, feeling almost normal, and then boom, I’d need to sleep for at least an hour to recharge.
Social Interaction: The Double-Edged Sword
Being around supportive friends felt surprisingly great. It was like my brain was getting a gentle workout, reconnecting the neurons in a safe, relaxed environment. But larger gatherings? Forget it. Social anxiety skyrocketed, and anything involving strangers felt overwhelming. I’ve never felt such intense social anxiety as I did post-concussion, especially around people I didn’t know well.
Walking the Line (Literally)
As someone who loves physical activity, staying inactive was tough. Walking became my go-to exercise, but it was a delicate balance. If I went too fast, didn’t drink enough water, or took even a small misstep, dizziness and vertigo hit hard. Every walk felt like I was on alert, cautious not to venture too far from help in case I needed it.
Eye Judder and the Screen Struggle
Concussions bring weird symptoms. For me, one was eye judder—a shaky feeling in my eyes that made it hard to focus, especially on screens. After about 10 minutes of computer work, it felt like the screen was frying my brain. Thank goodness for dictation software and AI, or typing this would be a nightmare. As for working a conventional 9-5 job, forget it, or at least you should forget it. By not taking the time you need off work, you risk the impacts of the concussion lasting longer and symptoms can worsen. If your boss is less than understanding… I would think about changing jobs. You can get another job, but securing a new brain is less easy.
The Never-Ending Brain Fog and Vulnerability
After an initial three-week concussion, someone hit me with a car, leading to what’s called an aggravated concussion (a fancy way of saying “Oh, no, not again!”). Some days I’d feel like I was getting better, especially after a coffee boost, only to be hit with a crash afterwards that made the “fog” even thicker. Every time I left the house, I’d second-guess myself: “Should I be walking? Should I take my bike?” The constant sense of vulnerability—knowing any small jolt could set me back—was exhausting.
Tips For Recovery & Coping With Concussion Symptoms
Though recovery from a concussion is a frustratingly slow process, there are ways to make it a bit easier:
- Diet and Exercise: Light activities, like long walks in nature, helped lift my spirits and kept my endorphins going. I also found acupuncture surprisingly helpful.
- Safe Social Interactions: Spending time with supportive friends has been invaluable. These are the people who let you say, “I need a nap,” and crash on their couch without judgment. Having this sense of security helps me handle the ups and downs.
- Patience with Your Brain: It’s tough knowing you can’t just “take a pill” or slap on a bandage. Concussions require waiting, resting, and hoping that tomorrow brings a little more clarity than today.
The Takeaway
Concussions are no joke. They shake up your world—literally—and affect everything from your energy levels to your sense of confidence. But with patience, understanding friends, and a few tricks to manage the symptoms, you will get through it. For anyone else going through it, hang in there! Your brain may feel like Jell-O now, but with care and time, it will find its way back to stability.
Here are some useful medical sites that helped me understand and manage my symptoms:
CDC: “How You May Feel After a Concussion & Tips for Your Recovery” – A detailed guide on common symptoms, recovery tips, and when to seek further care. Read more
Mayo Clinic: “Concussion – Symptoms and Causes” – Information on concussion symptoms, risk factors, and steps for a safe recovery, from one of the leading health organizations. Explore here
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