Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall

After being struck by someone, I fell to the ground with my head hitting the surface?

Hello doctor, on Friday, while I was running to the school store to buy dinner, a boy suddenly rushed out from a group of school buses and collided with me as he was heading towards the basketball court.
I didn't see him coming, and I was knocked backward, hitting my head on the outdoor basketball court floor.
At that moment, I felt dizzy.
After a moment, I managed to stand up, but I was a bit unsteady on my feet.
I applied ice to the swollen area, which was quite painful.

On Saturday, I woke up to find that the right side of my neck was very sore, and the pain extended to the area near my throat.
It was difficult to get out of bed, and my neck was extremely painful.
My lower back also felt slightly sore.
I became very drowsy and fell asleep by 10 PM, but I kept waking up during the night and had trouble sleeping during the afternoon as well.
Today is Sunday, and the symptoms are still the same.
I am still waking up at night and unable to sleep.
I do not feel nauseous or have any severe headaches or dizziness, but the area that was swollen is painful when pressed.

Are these symptoms related to the collision, or could it be a muscle strain from the fall? Do I need to make an appointment to see a doctor?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/24

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

It is recommended to undergo a neurosurgical outpatient examination!

Reply Date: 2016/04/24

More Info

After experiencing a fall, especially one that involves hitting your head, it is crucial to understand the potential implications of head injuries and when to seek medical attention. In your case, you mentioned that you fell backward and hit your head on a hard surface, which can lead to various symptoms, including dizziness, neck pain, and swelling.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that even if you did not lose consciousness or experience immediate severe symptoms, head injuries can still result in complications such as concussions or intracranial bleeding. The symptoms you described, such as dizziness and neck pain, can be indicative of a concussion or whiplash injury, particularly if you felt unsteady after the fall.
Dizziness following a head injury can be a sign of a concussion, which is a mild traumatic brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion can include confusion, memory issues, headaches, dizziness, and balance problems. Although you mentioned that you do not have nausea or severe headaches, it is still essential to monitor your symptoms closely.
The neck pain you are experiencing could be related to a whiplash injury, which occurs when the head is suddenly jerked backward and then forward, straining the neck muscles and ligaments. This can lead to stiffness, pain, and discomfort in the neck and surrounding areas, including the throat. The fact that you are experiencing difficulty waking up and increased sleepiness could also be a result of your body trying to heal from the trauma.

Given your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies such as X-rays or a CT scan, to rule out any serious injuries like fractures or bleeding in the brain. Additionally, they can assess your neck pain and provide appropriate treatment options, which may include pain management, physical therapy, or further diagnostic testing if necessary.

In summary, while some symptoms may seem mild, they can still indicate underlying issues that require medical evaluation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries. If you notice any worsening of symptoms, such as increased headache, persistent dizziness, confusion, or any new symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. Remember, your health and safety are paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications.

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