Head Injury Before Tibet Trip: Should You Be Concerned?

I am about to travel to Tibet, but I fell and hit my head yesterday?

Hello, doctor.
I am planning to travel to Tibet in early June and have no history of anemia or other diseases.
Yesterday, on May 23, my left hand's four fingers were forcefully pinched by a glass door (the area has bruising, a wound, and swelling).
Shortly after, I experienced dizziness.
I thought it was just a hand injury and not a big deal, so I rode my bike to run some errands.
However, the dizziness became increasingly intense, and after pulling over to rest by the roadside, I fainted (it was about 5 minutes from the time my hand was pinched to when I fainted).
When I regained consciousness, I still felt brief dizziness and had difficulty focusing my vision.
After resting for a few minutes, I was able to continue moving.
Upon waking, I noticed abrasions on my right cheek, the back of my right hand, and my right knee, but no other external injuries.
I felt pain when pressing above my temple.
Today, I am experiencing neck pain, slight swelling around my eyes, and occasional mild cramping in my left lower back.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is there a correlation between the finger injury and the dizziness? 2.
Since I will be going to a high-altitude area in two weeks, does this head impact increase the risk of altitude sickness?

Qianqian, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/05/23

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, your dizziness may have a lower correlation with the injury.
If the symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a neurologist for evaluation.
Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that recent travel to high altitudes may have had an impact.
Please continue to be cautious.
Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2016/05/23

More Info

When it comes to head injuries, especially in the context of planning a trip to a high-altitude location like Tibet, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a significant incident that resulted in both a hand injury and subsequent symptoms such as dizziness and localized pain in the head and neck. Let’s address your questions and provide some additional context regarding head injuries and travel to high altitudes.

1. Is there a connection between the finger injury and dizziness?
While it may seem that a finger injury would not be related to dizziness, the body’s response to pain and injury can sometimes lead to systemic reactions. When you experience pain, especially acute pain, it can trigger a stress response in the body, which may include dizziness or lightheadedness. Additionally, if you were in a state of shock or if the pain was severe enough, it could lead to transient dizziness or fainting. However, it is also crucial to consider that dizziness can be a symptom of a head injury, especially if there was any impact to the head during your fall or if you experienced any whiplash effect. Given that you mentioned pain in the temple area, it is advisable to monitor your symptoms closely.

2. Will the head injury increase the risk of altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), occurs when you ascend to high altitudes too quickly, and it is primarily related to the body’s ability to acclimatize to lower oxygen levels. While a head injury itself does not directly increase the risk of altitude sickness, the symptoms you are experiencing—such as dizziness and headaches—could potentially complicate your ability to assess your condition while at altitude. If you have a pre-existing head injury, you may be more susceptible to the effects of altitude due to the stress it places on your body. It is essential to ensure that you are fully recovered from any head trauma before undertaking such a trip.

Recommendations:
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Given your symptoms, especially the dizziness and localized pain, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They may recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan, to rule out any intracranial injuries or bleeding, especially since you experienced a loss of consciousness.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. If you experience worsening headaches, persistent dizziness, confusion, or any new neurological symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

- Acclimatization: If you are cleared for travel, ensure that you allow adequate time for acclimatization when you arrive in Tibet. Ascend gradually and pay attention to your body’s signals. If you start to feel unwell, it’s important to descend to a lower altitude.

- Hydration and Nutrition: Stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet leading up to and during your trip. Proper hydration can help mitigate some symptoms of altitude sickness.

- Avoid Alcohol and Sedatives: These substances can exacerbate the effects of altitude sickness and may also interact negatively with any medications you might be taking for your head injury.

In conclusion, while your finger injury may not be directly related to your dizziness, the overall impact of your recent trauma should not be overlooked, especially with an upcoming trip to a high-altitude area. Prioritize your health and safety by consulting with a medical professional before proceeding with your travel plans.

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