LONDON - Emilia Clarke has compared recovery from a brain injury to "falling off the edge of a cliff without anyone there to catch you." The 39-year-old actress, known for her role in Game of Thrones, has been open about suffering brain aneurysms in 2011 and 2013. Now, she has reflected on how difficult it is for survivors of such terrifying health scares.
Speaking at Variety's Power of Women London Event
Speaking at Variety's Power of Women London event, Clarke said, "When I finally shared my story in 2019, we were overwhelmed by the response." She continued, "Mostly young people reached out to tell us their own stories. Today we have tens of thousands of survivors in our community saying essentially the same thing."
The Me Before You star added, "The journey to healing feels like falling off the edge of a cliff without anyone there to catch you."
Call for Improved Brain Injury Aftercare
Emilia also explained that treatments around brain injuries need to improve, particularly with aftercare. She said, "What usually happens when you're rushed to hospital with a brain injury is that doctors do everything possible to save your life. They stop the bleeding, remove the clot, find the source, cut it out, stitch you up, and send you home. But what many people don't realise is that whatever symptoms remain — physical, cognitive, emotional, linguistic — the consequence is unresolved trauma."
The Game of Thrones actress added, "And there are simply too few neuropsychologists and specialist rehabilitation services for that reality to change without a major shift in priorities."
Comparison to Cancer Treatment
Emilia compared the current outlook on brain injuries "to where cancer was a century ago" in terms of how people approach rehab. She said, "When everyone around you thinks you look fine, they treat you as though you are. Eventually, you start believing you should be too."
She mentioned, "I often compare brain injury today to where cancer was a century ago: misunderstood, stigmatised and hidden from view. When rehabilitation is available, it's usually measured in weeks rather than years and focused on only the most visible symptoms."
Emilia Clarke concluded, "Brain injury recovery is still in its infancy, leading to lost potential, lost livelihoods and too many people falling through the cracks," as she spoke of how brain injury rehabilitation and aftercare needs to be improved.
