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My Concussion Healing Timeline - My Post-Concussion Syndrome 8 Years Later
- Silvie
- Mar 24
- 8 min read
Updated: May 27
Prefer to listen? Go to Podcast episode 79: "What is the concussion healing time? This is my exact time".
In the beginning, I questioned myself almost every day: “What is the concussion healing time?” Even now, years later, I still experience post-concussion syndrome. It’s challenging to determine the average recovery time for post-concussion syndrome because we are all different.
For some people, their recovery takes a few months, while for others, it stretches into years, and for some, it seems like an endless journey.
Additionally, some individuals do not experience concussion symptoms immediately, while others may have symptoms that come and go. For some, the symptoms persist without therapy.
Table of contents
What Are the Effects of a Concussion on the Brain?
First of all, there is one important thing I learned on my journey: you don’t have to hit your head to sustain a concussion. A bump, blow, or rapid movement back and forth is sufficient to cause a concussion. I experienced the latter—whiplash.
During my first two years, I didn’t even realize I had sustained a concussion. It’s strange, right? Some people ask me how that’s possible, but I never knew that whiplash could cause a concussion.
Now, I know better.
Enough Information! Please Tell Me the Concussion Healing Time!
I know you’re here for the answer to this question, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, which makes it frustrating. Recovery time varies based on the severity of the concussion and can differ from person to person. Some individuals do not have post-concussion symptoms at all, while others suffer from post-concussion syndrome for years.
Many times, I wished I could just know how long this would take. However, if I had known it would take this long right after the accident, it would have driven me crazy. In this way, it became a more gradual journey.
At Cognitive FX, I learned that experiencing confusion after an injury increases the likelihood of symptoms persisting. I also discovered that post-concussion recovery time isn’t related to the source of the injury. So, someone who had a car accident can have the same recovery timeline as someone who fell down the stairs.
My Post-Concussion Recovery Timeline
I wish I could provide a clear answer, but all I can do is share my post-concussion recovery timeline. Below you will find my journey from the accident on May 23rd, 2017, to now (exactly 8 years later as I write this).
2017
Tuesday, May 23: The day I collided with another scooter on my way home. I thought I was fine and only hurt my ankle. I felt a bit strange but attributed it to adrenaline.
Wednesday, May 24: The day after the accident. I went to work and pretended nothing was wrong, although I still felt odd without being able to explain why.
Friday, May 26: After four days at work, I went home early and told my boss, "I will rest and be back on Monday."
Monday, May 29: I couldn’t go to work as I had promised on Friday. I called my boss to say I needed another week of rest, which he kindly accepted. A whole week of rest!
Monday, June 5: After resting for a week, I still couldn’t return to work. Confused, I called my doctor to schedule an appointment for the next day.
Tuesday, June 6: At my doctor’s appointment, he told me I was anxious and needed more rest. He prescribed calming pills and advised me to take three more weeks off. What?! Three weeks?
Tuesday, June 27: Those three weeks passed, and I felt worse instead of better. I called my doctor again, frustrated that I wasn’t improving, and scheduled a new appointment.
Wednesday, June 28: Back at the doctor's office, I felt like crying without knowing why. When he asked how I was doing, I burst into tears. He mentioned the word "whiplash" for the first time due to my neck pain and referred me to a physiotherapist, saying, “It can take up to six months.” Six MONTHS?!
July: My first appointment with the physiotherapist provided hope as he explained whiplash and how he could help. We scheduled my first session.
July: I had my first session, and even the ride to the appointment on my bike in Amsterdam was challenging. I felt worse after the session but hoped this was part of the recovery process.
July: My second session was even more difficult, involving strength exercises. Talking during the session exhausted me. Was this normal for a whiplash injury? I left with intense pressure in my head.
August: After six sessions, I felt worse rather than better and decided to stop the therapy. This wasn’t what I needed.
August - December: I felt lost and unsure of what to do. The accident was already seven months ago, and I still hadn’t seen any improvement. During this time, I tried craniosacral therapy (which helped temporarily) and started Neurofeedback therapy.
2018
January - May: I completed 20 Neurofeedback sessions, which were costly but didn’t yield the desired results. Emotionally, this was the hardest period, filled with frustration.
May - November: I was so exhausted by the lack of progress that I didn’t want to try new things. I felt like I was “waiting” for a miracle. I attempted to return to work but it proved too overwhelming. I felt useless and was sick of being home, unable to participate in the “normal” world.
November: I had my "last" official workday at the office. My employer and I agreed it wasn’t working, which caused me significant stress. Fortunately, this agreement allowed me to receive some financial support from the government.
December: Overwhelmed and fatigued, I wished for a break from everything and decided to travel. I flew from Amsterdam to Asia, where I stayed for four months, seeking solitude and rest. This time allowed me to contemplate my next steps while grappling with financial stress and uncertainty about continued government support.
2019
January: While in Asia, I researched new therapies. I felt there had to be a solution to heal me. Traveling restored my hope and helped me step away from anxious thoughts. I scheduled a call with the concussion clinic, Cognitive FX, in Utah.
February: I waited one month for the (free) Skype call with Cognitive FX. I remember sitting outside, overlooking rice fields, feeling emotional as I shared my experiences. They immediately identified my condition as a concussion, which was the first time anyone had mentioned it. I was shocked that no doctor had brought it up before. I quickly decided to pursue treatment and booked an appointment for May 2019.
April: I flew back from Bali to the Netherlands and stayed with my parents for six weeks, waiting to feel ready to visit Cognitive FX.
May: I attended Cognitive FX and was nervous but never regretted the decision. It was the best choice of my life, and I saw significant improvements during my week there. If you want to read more about my treatment experience, I documented it in a separate blog:
Further reading: "My experience at Cognitive FX Concussion Center"
June: Following my treatment, Cognitive FX referred me to a neuro-optometrist in the Netherlands, where I began light therapy, eye exercises, and wore Yoked Prism Glasses. I attended these sessions for almost a year, which helped immensely.
December: I had my first call with the Mind-Eye Institute after realizing I had reached the limits of my improvements at the neuro-optometrist. I wanted to focus on the emotional aspects of my concussion as well.
2020 - Concussion Healing Timeline
April: I decided to pursue treatment at the Mind-Eye Institute, but just then, COVID-19 hit, and all borders to the United States closed for Europe. I had to wait.
September: Over the last year, I noticed improvements and continued to work on the exercises given to me by Cognitive FX. I completed my sessions at the neuro-optometrist and decided it was time to address the emotional aspects of my recovery, so I called my doctor for a referral to a psychologist.
October: My first visit to the psychologist made me realize I had neglected the emotional side of my journey. I had been focused on the physical aspects of recovery, but looking back, this journey was incredibly challenging. Not knowing what to do, how to improve, and being unable to engage in social activities was overwhelming.
2021 - Concussion Healing Timeline
April: I launched my community platform and learned many new things. I had to establish my boundaries, as I was still dealing with post-concussion syndrome. I learned how to manage a community, create Instagram posts, set up classes, and more!
June: I felt overwhelmed by returning to work, which exacerbated my symptoms. I took immediate action and adjusted my schedule, recognizing that I couldn’t handle too much work yet. It was a gradual process but necessary.
September: After taking a more balanced approach to managing the community, I felt significantly better. Helping others gave me energy, and I realized this was my true passion. I learned to respect my limits, which improved my overall well-being.
November: After a long wait, I finally made my way to the Mind-Eye Institute, where I met Dr. Zalinsky, who was amazing!
Further reading: "My appointment at the Mind Eye Institute - review"
Further listening 🎧 : "2023 update about my glasses - Do I still wear them?"
Further listening 🎧: "2024: Final update about my glasses from The Mind Eye Institute"
2022 - NOW: Post-Concussion Syndrome 8 Years Later
March 24, 2025: As I write this blog, it’s almost 8 years since I sustained my concussion. What a rollercoaster! This has been my concussion healing timeline in short.
In the beginning, I was angry and could only think, “Why did this happen to me?” It felt so unfair.
All my friends, colleagues, and family continued with their lives while I felt lost and alone. 🤦🏽♀
Five years have passed, and I am a completely different person.
Each year, I learned and noticed positive changes as a result of my concussion. ✨
Further reading: "My 6 stages of concussion recovery"
The first three anniversaries were painful; I focused solely on what I had lost and why I didn’t feel like my old self anymore.
My fourth anniversary coincided with the one-month mark after I started this community. I reflected on where I was during my third anniversary and noticed a significant difference.
I found a goal and a purpose in life.
My fifth, sixth, and seventh anniversaries were the easiest so far, and I can see the positive results of this most difficult rollercoaster in my life.
I discovered a new way of working (not for a boss), encountered new opportunities, and met like-minded individuals along the way.
It often felt like I had lost everything: friends, my job, financial security, my home, and control over my body and health.
But now, on my 8th anniversary, I realize that my life is (mostly, not everything;)) a manifestation of what I dreamed of: not working for a boss, doing fulfilling work (helping others), having like-minded friends, and enjoying a loving relationship. ❤️
Further reading: "Which symptoms do I still have after almost 8 years?"
Without the circumstances that forced me to make these changes, I wouldn’t be where I am today.
That's why I love this quote: "I had to make you uncomfortable otherwise you would never have moved. - The Universe.
I am grateful and happy with my current situation and eager for what lies ahead.
A big thank you to everyone who follows me on Instagram, who is on my email list, reads this blog, and is a member of the community; without you, I wouldn’t be where I am today. ❤️
What helped me the most in my concussion recovery?
In my free masterclass, which I’m hosting regularly, I’ll share the 2 researched methods that helped me the most in my recovery (and now also for thousands of others).
I love hosting this masterclass and engaging with all of you, but it takes a lot of effort to organize. That's why it's only available for a limited time. Make sure to sign up and join before it's too late!
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