Ellie R

Concussions/Brain Injuries: 3

Cause: Sports

Ellie’s Story

I received 3 concussions over the course of about 3.5 years. All three injuries occurred from incidents as a competitive dancer and left me with persistent symptoms. I experienced chronic headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, and anxiety. It was incredibly frustrating to feel as if I was not getting better.

Shortly after my injuries, especially the first one, I felt pressured into returning to dance practices and performances fully. At that point, I was so frustrated with myself and my brain, and was eager to get back to dancing. So I did. But dance was never the same as it was before my injuries. I had always prided myself on how hard I worked, but hard work took on a completely different definition when it became difficult for me to just be in the studio.

I tried to ignore my symptoms and push through, which only aggregated the symptoms and furthered my anxiety and frustration. I felt like nobody knew what was going on. I felt like I had disappointed myself, my teammates, coaches, and my family. I lost my love for dance as everyday just became a struggle. Although I am no longer dancing, the frustration and anxiety sticks with me.

My symptoms have flared up again in the last 6 months or so. And I am simply exhausted from them, and tired of having to modify my life because of concussions sustained years ago. It is a vicious cycle of symptoms and acknowledging my need to take care of myself, while not wanting to be the girl with the concussions that rule her life anymore.

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