Concussion, cavernoma, & vestibular migraines.

My brain injury journey

A nasty tackle during a football match led to a diagnosis of concussion and post-concussion syndrome. I endured months of debilitating symptoms including painful migraines, severe dizziness, and recurrent vertigo episodes.

It was a brilliant day for football (soccer) and I was enjoying the game at centre back. Then came a shoulder barge on my nose during a clearing header. I sank to my knees, but wasn’t knocked out. My nose bled, I felt shaken, but thought I’d be fine. I actually went back on and finished the match.

Only 36 hours later did I wake up with my world spinning violently. I made it to A&E. They treated the swelling, diagnosed concussion, and told me to rest. But that was only the beginning.

The Long Road to Diagnosis

It took over 15 months of sick leave, clinic appointments, waiting lists, and frustration to get a final diagnosis. In that time, vestibular migraines became part of daily life. Migraines, dizziness, vertigo—all forming a cycle that took years to untangle.

My fourth CT scan finally revealed a cavernous hemangioma (or cavernoma). Once I was able to access brain injury care, the recovery started at pace. I was in 5 clinics over four years, and there were some hard days—sensory overload, imbalance, fatigue. But alongside the struggle have been small victories: moments of steady progress, clearer diagnosis, and better awareness of my limitations.

Lessons Learned

Living with brain injury has shaped the way I work, the way I connect, and the way I advocate. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned:

• Seek help early and persist—neurology, vestibular, and brain injury services matter.
• Keep a symptom diary—it helps with diagnosis and treatment decisions.
• Manage energy—rest, pace, and know your limits.
• Sensory support matters—adjusting light, sound, and balance can reduce overload.

From Patient to Advocate

This experience also opened unexpected doors. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to NHS and university research groups, sharing the patient perspective on brain injury and recovery. Those opportunities reminded me that personal stories are essential in shaping services and research priorities.

Today, alongside my writing, I regularly speak with community groups and organisations about brain injury, PKU, and chronic illness. My aim is always to raise awareness and motivate with honesty and care.

Helping others with brain injury

If you or someone you love is dealing with brain injury—especially when symptoms are delayed or confusing—know this: you are not alone. Recovery is rarely linear, but it is possible.

Sharing this story isn’t just about me. It’s about the importance of recognising brain injury, listening to patients, and building stronger connections between research, healthcare, and lived experience.

Brain injury resources on PigPen.page

• Sign up for my monthly newsletter with curated brain injury and mental health news.
• Articles on brain injury, or find my book about brain injury.
• If you’d like me to speak with your group or organisation, please get in touch.
• For more practical tips, see my post on fatigue and pacing.