My Experience at Cognitive FX Concussion Center & How I Feel 8 Years After + photos -Review

Prefer to listen to this blog? Go to the podcast episode 24: My Cognitive FX Review.

My Journey After a Scooter Accident: A Review of Cognitive FX

Introduction

I will never forget that day—May 23, 2017. I was riding home on my scooter when I collided with another scooter. At first, I thought I was lucky, believing I would be okay. However, a few days later, my condition started to worsen, leading me into a long battle with symptoms I couldn't understand.

This journey lasted 1.5 years until I found Cognitive FX, a concussion center in Utah, where I finally received the answers and treatment I desperately needed. In this blog, I'll share my Cognitive FX review.

Finding Answers: My Journey Through Unexplained Symptoms

I felt utterly lost; I didn’t understand what was happening to me since I hadn’t fallen and hit my head. Even the doctors were at a loss for answers—they simply advised me to rest and eventually referred me to a psychologist.

At that moment, I had never felt so alone or confused. What do you do when you don’t know what’s wrong with you, and no one seems to have the answers?

After 1.5 years of uncertainty, I finally discovered a clinic specializing in concussion treatment: Cognitive FX in Utah. My experience at their clinic was transformative and changed my life for the better.

My Concussion story

In May 2017, I experienced a scooter accident that resulted in a concussion and whiplash. Although I didn’t hit my head directly, I was conscious afterward and thought I had only injured my ankle. I felt fortunate and went home, unaware that I had just stepped into a new and challenging chapter of my life.

The next day, I felt strange but went to work anyway, confused about what was happening to me. Since I hadn’t fallen on my head, I thought, "What could it possibly be?" I managed to work for the next three days, but my head couldn’t handle it any longer. I felt emotional and overwhelmed, often without understanding why.

Afterward, I decided to take an extra week off work. That week turned into a month, and the month gradually extended into half a year. Ultimately, that half year stretched into a full year. By the end of that year, I realized I would never return to that office again.

Further reading: How a single concussion changed my life.

The Struggles of the First Year After My Concussion

During the first year after my concussion, I was still in the dark about what was happening to me. I felt guilty for not being able to explain my situation to others. I tried to act like nothing was wrong, but inside, I felt like everything was falling apart.

I struggled with insomnia, had difficulty concentrating, had vision problems, headaches, couldn't focus, felt dizzy, nauseous, and constantly felt overwhelmed. I often cried without understanding why, and I was extremely fatigued.

The pressure in my head was relentless, and I couldn't read or look at screens. I was sensitive to sounds and light, experienced shortness of breath, and felt a heavy pressure on my chest that left me restless.

Further reading: What having a concussion feels like and how to explain to others.

The first year was incredibly challenging. I frequently questioned whether I would ever recover or if I was doomed to live like this indefinitely. Would I ever feel better? After a year, I still hadn’t made any progress from where I started.

I often wondered, “Will this be my life forever?” Unfortunately, no one, not even the doctors, could provide answers. They couldn’t tell me the path to recovery. Should I rest or engage in activities?

Was exercise beneficial, or would it only exacerbate my symptoms?

I felt utterly lost, unsure of what would help me heal, and there was no one to guide me.

This photo perfectly captures how I felt:

Further reading: A vulnerable page from my diary: emotiones I've never shared.

Discovering Cognitive FX: The Turning Point in My Journey

After struggling with my symptoms for so long, I turned to Google in search of answers. That’s when I connected with someone who faced similar challenges.

She shared an article on LinkedIn about a Dutch woman who detailed her journey and the treatment she received in the United States. As I read her story, I couldn’t believe my eyes—I recognized everything. I thought, “This is me!”

After 1.5 years of uncertainty, I finally learned that I had a concussion.

I scheduled a call with the Concussion Clinic and shared my story. To my shock, they told me, “You don’t just have whiplash; most of your symptoms are caused by a concussion.” WHAT? This was completely new information for me!

They explained that it’s possible to sustain a concussion from whiplash, and I was left feeling confused. Why hadn’t any doctor in my country mentioned this to me? Why couldn’t anyone provide this critical information during the past 1.5 years?

Despite my anger and confusion, I also felt a sense of relief and “happiness.” For the first time, I finally understood what was happening to me, and it felt good to know that someone truly understood my situation.

I had post-concussion syndrome.

Overcoming Doubts: Is Cognitive FX a Hoax?

After the call with the Concussion Clinic, I found myself in tears. It was a mix of relief and confusion. I had tried so many treatments before, only to be met with disappointment each time. I had already spent a significant amount of money on various therapies, and now I was faced with the most expensive option yet.

However, for the first time, it felt like I was speaking to a doctor who truly understood my condition after such a long search. Despite my initial skepticism—wondering, “Is Cognitive FX a hoax?”—I felt a glimmer of hope. There were no guarantees, and every injury is unique, which made me hesitant.

Ultimately, I chose to listen to my intuition and take the leap. After reading countless positive testimonials from others who had undergone treatment, I decided it was worth the risk. I scheduled my treatment for June 2019, and I can confidently say Cognitive FX is not a hoax! I am so grateful I took that step, and I am now able to write this positive Cognitive FX review.

My Transformative Experience at Cognitive FX

Cognitive FX is a renowned Concussion Center in Utah that has gained significant recognition in the Netherlands. During my week there, I was not alone; I met seven other Dutch individuals receiving treatment, and I've learned that this is a common occurrence.

At Cognitive FX, they employ a cutting-edge brain scan known as functional Neurocognitive Imaging (fNCI) to accurately identify which areas of the brain were affected by my concussion or brain injury. This innovative approach provided invaluable insights into my condition. For more information about their services, visit their website: Cognitive FX.

I traveled solo all the way from Amsterdam to Salt Lake City. Having traveled extensively on my own before, I felt comfortable making the journey alone. I booked an Airbnb in Provo from May 29 to June 12, conveniently located near Cognitive FX.

Each day, I opted for a taxi (Lyft/Uber) to get to the clinic, allowing me to focus on my treatment without the stress of driving. I never had difficulty finding a taxi—there were plenty available!

Understanding the Costs of Treatment at Cognitive FX

Many people have reached out with questions about the costs associated with treatment at Cognitive FX. Here’s a breakdown of my expenses:

Note: this was in 2019, so costs may now be higher.

• Treatment Costs: Approximately $9,000 for the comprehensive program.

• Accommodation: My Airbnb stay was around $1,000 for the duration of my visit.

• Taxi Expenses: Including trips to and from the airport, I spent about $200 on taxi fares.

• Flight: My round-trip flight cost around $600.

My First fNCI Scan: A Warm Welcome and New Insights

I had my first functional Neurocognitive Imaging (fNCI) scan the week before my treatment at Cognitive FX began. I was pretty nervous, but as soon as I stepped into the clinic, I felt a warm welcome.

Everyone was so kind and attentive. Before I even had the chance to mention that the lights and noise bothered me, they had already asked about my comfort level. It was such a relief to feel like I could be myself instead of pretending everything was okay!

Before the scan, we sat down for a detailed explanation of what to expect. They took the time to clarify the process, which really helped ease my nerves. I remember they provided me with earplugs before the scan because the machine was quite noisy, and I appreciated that thoughtful gesture!

The first scan involved some brain exercises, where I could interact with the staff. I worked with Brain (such a lovely person!), who explained each exercise before we began. All I had to do was press some buttons to give my answers—super easy! The second scan was an MRI focusing on my neck.

Below, you can see the results of my first scan. (I need to focus on the green part at the end of the week.)

My Treatment Days at Cognitive FX: A New Beginning

I was pretty nervous on my first day at Cognitive FX, but the moment I stepped inside the clinic, all my stress melted away. I met the nine other people undergoing treatment that week, seven of whom were also from the Netherlands.

It felt like we formed a close-knit group, sharing this journey together while also experiencing our individual treatments.

My first day began with a discussion about the results of my scans. I was anxious—what if they couldn’t find anything? What if my test results were normal, and I had traveled all the way to this clinic for nothing?

This fear stemmed from my past experiences with other doctors. So, it was such a relief to hear that they confirmed I had a concussion. Even better, they could describe all my symptoms accurately after reviewing my scan.

I hadn’t even mentioned my symptoms yet, so their insight was astounding! FINALLY, I had found a doctor who could measure my concussion and knew exactly what to do. It felt like I was in great hands, and I couldn't wait to start my treatment.

After that, they handed me my schedule for the entire week. My first thought was, "This is a lot; what if I can’t handle it?" They reassured me that I would have plenty of breaks and that everything would be okay. I decided to take it hour by hour and see how things unfolded.

Interval Training: Pushing My Limits

My first class at Cognitive FX was physical interval training, which was both challenging and eye-opening. We pushed ourselves for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then took a seat to focus on a breathing cycle. I would sit quietly until my breath returned to normal, repeating this process three more times.

I couldn’t handle more repetitions on my first day, which felt strange because I had been exercising at home. However, this experience felt different and left me feeling nauseous, though they assured me that was normal.

After my interval training session, I enjoyed a brief 10-minute break before someone picked me up for my first class. After lunch, we repeated the interval training, which became my least favorite part of the daily routine.

Each day began with interval training in the morning and continued with another session after lunch. It was a lot to take in, but I was determined to push through.

Further reading: Why is interval training so effective?

Diverse Classes: Expanding My Skills

At Cognitive FX, the program includes a variety of classes in addition to interval training. One of the highlights was a cognitive class that lasted for one hour.

In this session, I partnered with another participant, who asked me questions and showed me photos to remember later. We engaged in various activities, including math exercises, deduction puzzles, and language tasks.

Another intriguing class focused on multitasking. In this exercise, I stood on a balance ball while catching a ball and answering questions simultaneously. The challenge of coordinating my movements while processing information added an exciting layer to the training.

Cognitive FX offers many other exercises designed to improve cognitive function, which you can explore on their website. Each class contributed to my recovery, helping me regain confidence in my abilities.

A Turning Point: Feeling Different on Thursday

Before starting my treatment at Cognitive FX, I had read many testimonials from others who experienced noticeable changes on the third day, Wednesday.

When I didn’t feel any difference on that day, panic began to set in. What if this treatment didn’t work for me? I reminded myself to stay calm and focus on my progress, knowing that everyone’s recovery journey is unique. Some people experience improvements weeks after treatment.

Then came Thursday. A fellow participant in my group remarked, "Your eyes look brighter!" During lunch, I began to notice a significant shift—I felt a newfound lightness in my head, as if my fatigue was melting away. It was a peculiar sensation, like sparkling water bubbling inside my skull.

Although it sounded strange, it felt fantastic! My head felt as if it was opening up, and the sounds around me, which had previously been overwhelming, no longer bothered me. I found myself enjoying the noise of a lawnmower nearby—something I had never appreciated before!

That evening, as I returned to my Airbnb, I had an overwhelming desire to listen to music—something I hadn’t enjoyed for almost two years.

The sound no longer irritated me! Typically, I would stay home to recharge, but that night, I felt energized and wanted to take a walk outside. With music playing in my ears, I enjoyed a refreshing stroll, relishing the freedom of this new experience.

A Tough Day: Feeling Worse on Friday

Friday marked the last day of my treatment week, and I woke up feeling emotional and uneasy.

A wave of sadness washed over me, and I felt on the verge of tears all day. Panic set in—why was I feeling this way on my final day? Had I overdone it the night before? Was it the anticipation of my last scan that was overwhelming me?

I decided to share my concerns with the team at Cognitive FX. They reassured me that it was completely normal to experience such feelings, especially after the long week I had endured.

I hadn’t expected to face any setbacks after the encouraging progress I felt on Thursday, but I realized I had pushed myself a lot during the treatment. My body simply needed time to settle down and process everything that had happened.

The Final Scan: A Glimmer of Hope

I completed my final scan, and the results were promising. I scored well, landing in the green part of the assessment and even dipping into the positive range—indicating how a normal brain would function. But despite these encouraging results, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t quite back to my old self.

The team explained that recovery is a process; my brain needed time to adjust to its new state. Healing from a concussion isn't instantaneous, and even positive scan results don’t always translate to immediate feelings of normalcy. Below, you can see the results of my final scan, proudly positioned in the green part:

Continuing Treatment at Home + Aftercare

After a week of exceptional care at the clinic, I found myself back home, and it felt a bit strange to be on my own. Suddenly, I was responsible for implementing everything I had learned. During the exit chat, the focus was on how to integrate the exercises into my daily routine.

For the first month, I committed to interval training five times a week, followed by cognitive exercises. This was crucial for maintaining the progress I had made during my treatment. As time went on, I gradually reduced my training to three times a week and eventually settled into a routine of once a week after a few months.

One of the things I appreciated most was that I could always reach out to the Cognitive FX team with any questions I had. They also added me to a Facebook group for graduates, which helped me feel connected and supported.

Knowing I wasn’t alone in this journey reassured me, as I was certain questions would arise after my treatment. The team remained incredibly helpful, making my transition back to everyday life much smoother.

The Saturday After the Treatment + Before & After Photo

On Saturday, I woke up feeling more like myself again! I decided to go for a three-hour hike—something I could never have managed before this week. I was overjoyed to feel closer to my normal self; this week truly changed my life.

Tip: I hiked the Stewart Falls Trail, which is absolutely amazing! I’ve always loved waterfalls, so if you feel up to it and have the time, I highly recommend this hike!

During my hike, I snapped a photo to compare with one I took before the treatment. Just look at my eyes! What a difference, right?

Going Home - My First Weeks After the Treatment

My treatment week ended on Friday, and I flew home on Tuesday. The flight back was a world apart from my flight to Utah. On my first flight, it felt like I had to just survive, but now I sat comfortably and even watched a video!

Upon returning home, I needed to adjust to the different time zone, which took about a week. After that week, my parents came to visit me in Amsterdam. They invited me to have dinner on the terrace. My initial response was a quick “NO, I can’t,” but I recognized this as an automatic reaction shaped by the challenges of the past two years.

Determined to try, I joined them on the terrace, and to my surprise, the sounds that used to overwhelm me were much less bothersome.

They still irritated me more than before my accident, but the difference was significant compared to how I felt before my week in Utah. My dad commented on how I looked different and noted that I was starting to engage in conversations rather than just responding to others.

I noticed it too—I felt more alive and could actually enjoy being there instead of merely surviving.

Setbacks Are Part of the Recovery

Did I feel great all the time? Let me be honest—no, I still experienced setbacks. However, they were not as severe as during my first two years. Healing is not a linear process, and setbacks can be challenging to navigate. Yet, when I compare how I feel now to how I felt before, the difference is remarkable.

One Year After the Treatment

During my first year post-treatment, I continued to experience improvement. Although I didn’t notice a difference every day, reflecting back every month or two revealed noticeable progress. After nearly a year of doing interval training and cognitive exercises, I decided to stop and see what would happen if I let go of everything, viewing my daily activities as part of my training.

I felt the need to shift my focus away from my concussion, allowing it to take a backseat in my life. This change really helped me move forward. By letting go of the pressure to adhere to a strict regimen, I created space for other activities and experiences.

Two Years After the Treatment

A lot has changed, and I no longer feel like I'm in survival mode. While I still have days where I struggle and experience setbacks, I have never felt as bad as I did before the treatment.

My memory has improved, and cognitive tasks are much easier for me now.

I feel that most of my current issues are related to my eyes, and I’m receiving treatment for that, hoping for further improvement over time.

Sensory overload is still part of my daily life, but things have improved, and managing it has become easier. I continue to feel like I am making progress.

If I were to measure my recovery journey as a percentage, it would look like this:

• First 2 years after the accident: 10% recovered

• After the treatment: 50% recovered

• One year after treatment: 65% recovered

• Two years after treatment: 75% recovered

• Now, 8 years after treatment: 90% recovered

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Cognitive FX. Their team is amazing, and I cannot thank them enough for changing my life for the better.

Now - Almost Eight Years After Treatment

Now, almost eight years after my treatment at Cognitive FX, I feel much better. I no longer have to do cognitive exercises regularly, though I sometimes engage in interval training because it feels good and helps me stay active.

I have successfully returned to work (within the first year after the treatment) and have built a fulfilling social life. The improvements I've made over the years have allowed me to enjoy activities and connect with others in ways I never thought possible after my concussion.

I am grateful for the progress I've made and look forward to continuing this positive journey.

Thank you for reading this Cognitive FX review. I hope it was helpful for you. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram or via email: info@theconcussioncommunity.com

Would you like to apply the methods from Cognitive FX too?

Here are three options for you to consider:

1. Seek Treatment at Cognitive FX in Utah: Experience specialized care and tailored treatment designed to help you on your recovery journey.

2. Join my Free Masterclass: Discover the two key methods learned at Cognitive FX.

3. Enroll in My Concussion Boost Program. This program is rooted in the research from Cognitive FX, allowing you to implement the same effective exercises and techniques at home.