Actress Emilia Clarke has spoken candidly about the lasting impact of the two brain hemorrhages she suffered in her twenties, revealing how the life-threatening medical emergencies affected her physical and emotional well-being long after she appeared to have recovered.
Speaking at the inaugural Variety Power of Women: London event, where she was honored for her advocacy work, Clarke reflected on the challenges she faced following brain hemorrhages in 2011 and 2013. The actress, best known for her role as Daenerys Targaryen in the hit television series Game of Thrones, said it took years before she was able to fully understand and accept what she had experienced.
Clarke explained that she initially kept her diagnosis private because she felt overwhelmed and ashamed, admitting she struggled to comprehend the severity of her condition at the time. Although she was able to return to work quickly after both incidents, she later realized that surviving the hemorrhages did not mean she had fully healed.
The 39-year-old actress revealed that she spent years dismissing symptoms including chronic fatigue, hormonal issues, anxiety, unexplained body pain, and episodes of blacking out during demanding filming schedules. Believing these challenges were simply the result of stress and a hectic career, she said neither she nor her doctors initially connected them to the long-term effects of brain trauma.
Looking back, Clarke said she now understands that brain injuries are far more complex than many people realize and that recovery often continues long after a patient appears physically healthy. She noted that many survivors struggle with invisible symptoms that can significantly affect their quality of life.
Her personal journey inspired the creation of SameYou, a charity dedicated to improving rehabilitation and support for people recovering from brain injuries and strokes. Clarke said the organization has built a community of tens of thousands of survivors who often describe recovery as a lonely and uncertain process.
The actress also credited neuroscientist David Putrino and his work at Mount Sinai Hospital with helping her regain the energy and optimism she once had in her twenties.
During her speech, Clarke emphasized the profound connection between brain health and personal identity, noting that brain injuries can leave survivors questioning who they are and whether they will ever feel like themselves again. Through her advocacy, she hopes to raise awareness about the hidden challenges of recovery and encourage greater support for those living with the long-term effects of brain trauma.
