Emilia Clarke, renowned for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in ‘Game of Thrones,’ recently opened up about her personal battle with two brain hemorrhages she suffered in her twenties. Speaking at Variety’s Power of Women London event, Clarke reflected on the challenges she faced and the long-term impact of her health ordeal.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Clarke first experienced a brain hemorrhage in 2011, followed by a second in 2013. Despite the severity of her condition, she managed to return to work shortly after each incident. However, she admitted to downplaying the ongoing symptoms, including hormonal imbalances, extreme fatigue, and anxiety, which she initially attributed to the pressures of her career.
It wasn’t until years later that Clarke began to understand the full extent of her injuries. She noted, ‘It never occurred to me that maybe the problem wasn’t me…that it was because brain injury is extraordinarily complex, and we’re still only beginning to understand the impact it can have long after you’ve supposedly recovered.’
Advocacy and Support
In response to her experiences, Clarke founded the charity ‘SameYou,’ aimed at supporting brain injury recovery. The organization seeks to provide resources and community support for survivors, helping them navigate the often isolating journey of healing. Clarke emphasized the importance of recognizing the complexities of brain injuries and the need for comprehensive care and understanding.
Through her collaboration with neuroscientist David Putrino at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Clarke has regained much of the energy and positivity she felt in her twenties. Her story serves as a testament to resilience and the power of community support in overcoming personal health challenges.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.