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BBC comedian Luisa Omielan has told fans she has been diagnosed with PTSD after sustaining a brain injury.
The stand-up comedian, 43, has also been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and told fans how she was rushed to A&E three times.
Last month, the comedian revealed she accidentally rode a Lime bike into a brick wall and broke her nose.
In a new video with her Bernese Mountain dog Bernie, she has admitted the accident ‘knocked her sideways’.
The Edinburgh Fringe breakout said in her Instagram video: ‘Everything is going to be fine, but I have had a minor brain injury and have been diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome and PTSD.’
The What Would Beyoncé Do?! comedian went on to say that her pup Bernie is also experiencing health issues ‘because we are twins and do everything together’.
She added of Bernie: ‘She has been an absolute trooper and I am very lucky to have her and love her so much.
‘One of the trickiest things is keeping going when life knocks you sideways. It’s just going to take a little time.’
Omielan, who adapted her Edinburgh Fringe show Politics for Bitches for the BBC, said the past few weeks have been ‘incredibly challenging’ but that there is ‘a clear path forward’.
‘I just need to focus on recovery,’ she said. ‘I’m also very lucky to have my wonderful sister, who’s been gently pushing me through exposure therapy and encouraging me to try things again, one step at a time.’
The BBC star said she is taking a step back from her live shows after being forced to cancel upcoming gigs while she recovers.
She continued: ‘A huge shout-out to the kindness of strangers. With everything that’s happened over the last four weeks, every time I’ve needed help, someone has stepped in.
What is post-concussion syndrome?
Post-concussion syndrome (PCS) is a set of symptoms experienced after a concussion.
It can present as a range of symptoms, which include persistent headaches, dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to bright lights or loud noises, depression, anxiety, lack of energy and forgetfulness.
PCS does not show on any scans or blood tests, so doctors will rely on medical history and your symptoms for a diagnosis.
There is no specific treatment, but avoiding certain behaviours, such as late nights and prolonged screen time, can help.
‘It has genuinely restored my faith in people. If you ever wonder whether to offer someone a hand, I’d always rather someone ask than walk past.’
The 43-year-old went on to say that she isn’t able to work at the moment and has been asked how fans might be able to support her during her recovery, pointing them to her Patreon.
‘It is my only income until I’m well enough to plan and deliver shows,’ she said. ‘I am so grateful to my gang for helping me through this time.’
Signing off, Omielan apologised to the fans and venues she was forced to cancel on, concluding: ‘I am gutted and want to come back ASAP.’