Follow us: hu Improving life after brain injury Need to talk? 0808 800 2244 Donate Home About brain injury Individuals Brain injury and me Chloé Briffa Share your story Share your story with us to help others affected by brain injury Chloé Briffa I live every single day with a smile on my face At 17-years-old Chloé Briffa thought she was invincible. A lover of all things sporty, Chloé swam for the County and was a keen horse-rider. She was studying for her A Levels, learning to drive and had ambitions to become a pilot. However, a tumble from a horse put everything on hold. 26-year-old Chloé, from West Sussex, speaks to us about her accident, her recovery and how she overcame the odds. In July 2010 Chloé was competing at an eventing competition when the horse she was riding tripped. This resulted in her falling off and hitting the ground head first. The impact left Chloé unconscious and she was rushed to hospital where she was placed in a medically induced coma due to swelling on her brain. Chloé spent two weeks in intensive care hooked up to life support machines. “My diagnosis meant that my future looked incredibly bleak,” said Chloé. “Originally my parents were told that I might not survive or that, if I woke up, I may never be able to walk, talk or recognise them again.” Thankfully Chloé did wake up and she was determined to prove her prognosis wrong. “I knew exactly who my parents were the minute I opened my eyes and told them I loved them,” said Chloé. “I categorically refused to sit in a wheelchair right from the word go, despite doctors being unsure whether my legs would work... Incredibly stubborn I know!” Chloé spent a further two weeks in hospital before being discharged to continue her recovery at home. The injury left Chloé with some lasting effects, including short-term memory loss and right-side weakness. She also sustained a condition called third nerve palsy, which causes paralysis to the nerves behind her right eye and reduces her vision. Shortly after returning home Chloé got a dog, called Mungo. She credits Mungo with helping her re-learn to walk. With Mungo’s help, Chloe was back on a horse just one year after her accident. She also credits Headway’s online resources and support from the helpline during her recovery. Chloé and Mungo “Every head injury is different and finding the correct person to talk to for advice can be challenging. That’s what Headway has done for me – been there on the days where I’m unsure whether what I’m experiencing is normal.” Looking to the future, Chloé still has ambitions to become a pilot and currently works as an aircraft dispatcher. I stay incredibly positive, I live every single day with a smile on my face and I go out there and I grab my dreams. “During my tough days I look back and remind myself how far I’ve come. I will achieve my childhood dream one day, there is no stopping me!” When asked what advice she would give to other brain injury survivors, Chloé said: “Take advice from medical professions, but don’t dwell on it too much – every single thing I’ve achieved I was told I would never be able to do. “On tough days do something that makes you smile and never be afraid to chase your dreams. Reach for the moon and land among the stars. Back to stories index Helpline The Headway helpline is a free, confidential service available to anyone with a question about brain injury - from survivors and carers to students and professionals. Find out more Brain injury and me Find out more Related resources Memory problems after brain injury Visual problems after brain injury Friends of Headway Individual membership Join/Renew Contact Us t: 0115 924 0800 e: enquiries@headway.org.uk Help us improve life after brain injury. Donate Improving life after brain injury 0808 800 2244 Call our free helpline 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Or email helpline@headway.org.uk Join our online Community 27k Likes 25k Followers 3k Subscribers Privacy policy Cookies Terms & Conditions Accessibility Contact Us Resource centre Find a Headway Approved care providers Charity shops Fundraising comments, feedback and complaints Vacancies Join our mailing list Headway - the brain injury association is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity no. 1025852) and the Office of the Scottish Regulator (Charity no. SC 039992). Headway is a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no. 2346893. © Copyright Headway 2021 - Site designed and developed by MEDIAmaker By clicking 'Accept All Cookies’ you agree to the storing of cookies on your device. This will help us to offer the best possible experience and develop more of the information you need. Accept All Cookies Cookies Settings