18 months ago I had a Traumatic Brain Injury that has taken me out. After life-changing head injuries in 2004 and 2018, this last one in 2023 pushed me over the edge. After the impact, I developed Persistent Post Concussion Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome.
I have been experiencing drawn out symptoms from the accumulation of several head blows for longer than I knew. Most of them were always mental. After my 2023 injury I developed new symptoms that began affecting me physically. The intensity of these symptoms goes up and down, but they are present every day.
While I can skate some days for short periods early in the day, things aren't the same. The prognosis is indefinite.
I have a life-long relationship with this injury, and have learned a lot about it. In the slides I included some information about concussion/TBI that I think most skateboarders are not provided education of. If you would like references for any of these facts, I am happy to provide them.
If you or someone you know needs help with a head injury, past or present, you can hit me up any time.
I want to thank everyone who has supported me through this and before it, as well as San Diego skateboarding as a whole, for letting me be a part of something very special. It means everything to me.
Alex Willms is a professional skateboarder based in Southern California. He suffered three life-altering concussions and still struggles with symptoms on a daily basis. In this video, Alex shares the wisdom he’s gained from his experience and offers a message of hope to those on their healing journey.
If you need help finding care & resources like Alex did, reach out to the free CLF HelpLine at CLFHelpLine.org.
