E6: How PCS & Chronic Migraine Put a Pause on CarmenRose Fiallo's Senior Year

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Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast

Concussion Legacy Foundation

8 episodes

3 days ago

For about 20% of people who suffer concussion, symptoms don’t resolve within a month, and they are left navigating life with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) or persistent post-concussion symptoms (PPCS). Those symptoms are often invisible and debilitating. The recovery journey can be challenging and incredibly difficult to navigate alone. This is a podcast for those people. We see your struggles and understand what you’re going through. We’re here to share relatable experiences, coping strategies, inspiration, and a reminder that healing is possible.

Self-Improvement

Education

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All content for Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast is the property of Concussion Legacy Foundation and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

Self-Improvement

Education

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E6: How PCS & Chronic Migraine Put a Pause on CarmenRose Fiallo's Senior Year

Invisible Impact: A Post-Concussion Podcast

50 minutes 32 seconds

3 weeks ago

E6: How PCS & Chronic Migraine Put a Pause on CarmenRose Fiallo's Senior Year

Two concussions in one summer led to post-concussion syndrome (PCS) and a new normal for CarmenRose Fiallo. Just before her senior year of college, what was supposed to be an exciting time turned into months of recovery and uncertainty. Living with PCS and chronic migraines meant pressing pause on school and learning how to navigate a world full of triggers.

In this heartfelt conversation, CarmenRose sits down with CLF’s Julia Manning to share her story — from the tough decision to take a semester off to the small wins and daily challenges of living with an invisible injury. She opens up about how documenting her journey on social media has helped her find community, bring visibility to the often-unseen struggles of life after concussion, and remind others that they’re not alone.

With warmth, honesty, and hope, CarmenRose offers a powerful reminder that healing is rarely linear, and that sharing our stories can make all the difference.

🔑 What you will hear in this episode:

CarmenRose’s story of sustaining two concussions in one summer and how it changed her senior year of college (1:05)

Realizing it was PCS and symptoms were persistent (6:45)

Pushing through wasn't an option (8:32)

Seeing a neurologist and learning to advocate for yourself (11:20)

Navigating a new reality and taking brain injury recovery seriously (14:49)

Impact on social life and personality changes (21:00)

Journey with chronic migraines & finding community by sharing experience online (26:15)

Strategies for managing symptoms & avoiding triggers (32:18)

Communication and honesty led to improved understanding among friends & family (38:41)

Healing isn’t linear & honoring your own journey (42:33)

Message of hope for those struggling (45:00)

👤 About the guest:

CarmenRose (she/her) is a queer Latina disability advocate and digital storyteller. Her work has led to features with CBS Mornings, VICE, Healthline, and more.

CarmenRose is passionate about building community while raising awareness around her experience with Chronic Migraine and Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms.

Beyond her professional and advocacy work, she finds joy in long walks or bike rides through Central Park with her fiancée, a fresh set of acrylics, and catching the latest film on the big screen.

Connect with CarmenRose:

Instagram: @CarmenRoseFiallo

TikTok: @CarmenRoseFiallo

📞 Need support after a concussion?

If you or a loved one is struggling after a concussion or living with post-concussion syndrome, you're not alone. The Concussion Legacy Foundation offers free resources and support through the CLF HelpLine.

Visit CLFHelpLine.org to connect with a dedicated team member who can guide you to resources, medical referrals, and peer support tailored to your needs.

💬 Connect with us

Instagram: @concussionfoundation

Website: ConcussionFoundation.org

⭐ Enjoyed the episode?

If this conversation resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with someone who might benefit. Your support helps us reach more people navigating life after brain injury.