What having a concussion feels like / What does it feel like to have a concussion?

Prefer to listen? Go to podcast episode 12: What having a concussion feels like and how to explain to others.

Even if you have all the medical knowledge about what a concussion feels like, it’s hard to truly understand it unless you experience it firsthand. Living with a concussion is a daily struggle, both mentally and physically. This is undoubtedly the hardest challenge I have faced in my life. So, what does it feel like to have a concussion? Let me share my experience.

My Personal Experience with Concussions

Where do I begin? In the beginning, during the first year, I felt confused and overwhelmed. My body reacted differently to various situations, and I stressed over little things. Mentally, it was a nightmare.

I had no certainty whatsoever.

Questions plagued my mind:

When will this end?
Is it ever going to end?
Will this pain be a part of my life forever?
What can I do to feel better?
Am I lacking crucial support?
Am I doing things that could hinder my recovery?
Where can I find help?
Am I the only one experiencing these symptoms?
Why does it feel like the world is moving forward while I am stuck in pause mode?

So many questions and almost no answers led to feelings of despair, frustration, and hopelessness.

I felt lost, both physically and mentally, trapped in a negative spiral with no guidance on how to escape.

After a year of waiting and hiding my symptoms, I realized I had to explain my experience to friends, family, and doctors. I needed understanding and support.

What if this “waiting” phase never ended? The lack of understanding and overwhelming loneliness during this time was tearing me apart, and I desperately sought a way out of this downward spiral.

Further reading: People without a concussion say they feel the same. It's NOT the same.

Explaining what a concussion feels like to Others

Many people have asked me what a concussion feels like, often pointing out that I look normal, aside from my tired eyes and restless energy.

Here are some ways I describe my symptoms to others:

Nausea/dizziness: It feels like being constantly seasick, as if I’ve just come back from a boat trip.
Eye Problems (focus problem): It constantly feels like looking through a camera and noticing the moment it’s adjusting to the object to make it sharp.
Eye Problems (blurry vision): It’s like opening my eyes underwater. This is so hard to describe!
Ringing Ears: Do you remember the ringing in your ears after a concert? That sensation lingers for me all day.
Exhaustion: It feels like a bad hangover, you want to do things but you don’t have the energy for it. You just want to lay down on your couch but then with the understanding that this is not just for a day, not knowing when it will end, sometimes combined with the worst flu. It’s also comparable with a bad jet lag you have to recover from. Read my other blog about how I explain my energy to others: “The Spoon Theory”.
Fatigue: It feels like when someone wakes you up in the middle of the night at 4 am. You are disoriented but also tired all day long. You think you can go to bed early that evening but what if I wake you again at 4 am and the day after and after and so on… I guess you won’t have a clear feeling in your mind.
Sound sensitivity: What if someone is not just talking but screaming in your ears and at the same time loud music is going on and this is happening ALL the time. It feels like the volume button from all sounds is turned up to absolute max. I bet you’re thinking about covering your ears or earplugs. Tip: use Loop Earplugs, they are my lifesaver!
Light sensitivity: Have you ever looked into the flash of a camera? That’s not a nice feeling, right? What if you’re sitting in a darker room with some candles and someone is putting a flashlight on you in an unexpected moment? Do you get the feeling that you want to cover your eyes or squeeze them? It’s also comparable to the moment when you went clubbing until the early morning and set your first step outside the dark club into the daylight.
Feeling overwhelmed by tasks: It’s as if you have to do a task for your work, your kids scream in the background, your phone and the doorbell are ringing and your friend is asking you questions, all at the same time. Or what if you made a day plan you’re not even able to manage within that time frame? Does it give you a stressed feeling? Often I get this feeling even with very simple tasks.
Feeling overwhelmed in a busy place: It feels like you are at a festival and it’s too busy, the music is too loud and it’s getting busier and busier and there is no escape anymore to get out of the crowd and you’re getting crushed. The adrenaline is running, your breath is shortened and you’re feeling anxious. I often feel like that in a normal situation with just a few more stimuli from outside.
Memory problems: It’s like having a hangover without enjoying the party. You drank too much and can’t remember the whole evening.
Pressure on the head: This always feels like there is an elastic band around my head.

Further reading: Which concussion symptoms do I still have after almost 8 years?

The Invisible Struggle of Concussions

You cannot truly understand what a concussion feels like unless you have experienced it. While many people try to grasp the reality of living with a concussion, it remains a deeply personal struggle that shifts constantly. From the outside looking in, it’s impossible to fully comprehend the experience, and from the inside looking out, it’s equally difficult to explain.

Further reading: People think I am healed, they only see mee at my "bests moments".

Connecting with others in similar situations has helped me feel less isolated. For the first time, I realized I don’t have to justify or explain my symptoms. Before finding this community, I felt lonely during my long-term concussion recovery. Now, I hear stories daily from people on the same path, and I am incredibly grateful for that. Remember, you are never alone.

Find support within The Concussion Community

The Concussion Community provides an online space for individuals dealing with post-concussion syndrome and traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms. It’s a supportive environment where you can connect with others and professional concussion experts who can help you move forward and enjoy life again.

Our platform offers classes and courses led by professional concussion specialists and a private community, ensuring you are not alone on this journey. We are here to provide the best support for your recovery.

7 things that have helped me the most in concussion recovery

What helped you the most?" I received this question daily in my inbox. That's why I created a free eBook so you can clearly see what truly aided my recovery.

These things helped me to:

✔️ reduce fatigue & brain fog

✔️ have more energy ✔️ improve my sleep ✔️ feel less stressed

✔️ exercise again (finally!) ✔️ have a better mood

Download it for free: