Long-Term Symptoms After Concussion: To Find Meaning in Life Through Art When Your Head Is “on Fire”

Background: Persistent post-concussive symptoms (PPCS) create new life conditions with their invisible, long-term, and encompassing consequences. This can threaten the affected person’s well-being and challenge their identity. Purpose: To explore the valuable aspects of art creation during neurorehabilitation of PPCS. Methods: A qualitative single-case design encompassing an interview with a young girl with PPCS who used art in her process of neurorehabilitation. A phenomenological method was combined with a narrative approach to analyze the expressions. Findings: Engaging in art creation was experienced as valuable in different ways: art functioned as a traveling companion in the formation of a new self, as a communication tool, as a haven for psychological relief and as a restorative activity. We discuss the decisive role of social network relations for identity (re)construction and avoidance of social isolation as well as the importance of including the inside perspective of the patient in increasing their autonomy. Originality/value: Art as a communication form within PPCS is to a large extent unexplored. Conclusion: This paper sheds light on the positive aspects of art creation and suggests using art as a complementary approach to traditional medical methods to help injured individuals construct new narratives.