Head Injury: Headaches and Dizziness After Trauma

Headache and dizziness?

Hello doctor, last Friday I hit my head hard (on the left side of the back of my head) when getting into the car.
It seemed to swell a bit at the time, and for that day and the following days, it was somewhat painful to touch that area.
However, this week I still have headaches and sometimes feel dizzy.
I have a history of migraines and I'm still recovering from a cold, but this time feels different.
I'm not sure if it's related to the impact or if it's a headache triggered by the cold.
Is this serious? Do I need to go to a major hospital for an examination? Thank you!

Vera, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/06/07

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology

The symptoms you described are more likely a bodily response following a head injury, as the impact may affect the vestibular system.

Reply Date: 2016/06/07

More Info

When it comes to head injuries, understanding the symptoms and their implications is crucial for proper management and recovery. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a significant impact to the left side of your occipital region (the back of your head) last Friday, which has resulted in persistent headaches and occasional dizziness. Additionally, you mentioned a pre-existing condition of migraines and that you are currently recovering from a cold.
Firstly, it's important to note that head injuries can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and even changes in cognitive function. The fact that you have a history of migraines complicates the situation, as it can be challenging to differentiate between migraine-related headaches and those stemming from trauma.
In your case, the localized pain at the site of impact, along with the ongoing headaches and dizziness, suggests that you may be experiencing post-traumatic headaches. These can occur after a concussion or other head trauma, even if you did not lose consciousness or experience severe symptoms immediately after the injury. The headaches can vary in intensity and may feel different from your typical migraine, which is an important distinction to make.

Moreover, the presence of dizziness can indicate that the injury may have affected your vestibular system or could be related to increased intracranial pressure or other complications. Given that you also have a cold, it’s possible that your symptoms could be exacerbated by sinus pressure or other viral effects, but the trauma to your head should not be overlooked.

Considering the duration and nature of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention, particularly from a neurologist or at a hospital specializing in head injuries. A thorough evaluation, including a neurological examination and possibly imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI, may be warranted to rule out any serious complications such as a concussion, intracranial hemorrhage, or other structural injuries.

In summary, while it is possible that your symptoms could be related to your migraine history or your current cold, the recent head trauma cannot be ignored. Persistent headaches and dizziness following a head injury warrant a professional assessment to ensure that any potential complications are addressed promptly. Early intervention can be key in preventing further issues and facilitating a smoother recovery process. Please prioritize your health and seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Symptoms After Head Trauma: Dizziness, Nausea, and Fatigue

Hello, Doctor. On July 24th (Thursday), I hit the top of my head very hard. At that moment, I felt pain and a sensation of nasal congestion, but it improved shortly after. However, on July 27th (Sunday), after waking up from a nap, I felt dizzy for a while. Now, as of August 3rd ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, the use of anticoagulants, or obvious localized hematomas, head trauma symptoms are mostly mild. The frequent occurrence of dizziness may have the following possible causes: 1. Reduced per...

Understanding Dizziness After Head Injury: When to Seek Further Evaluation

Hello Doctor, I accidentally slipped and hit my head (upper right side of the occipital region) in the bathroom on November 28, 2023. I went to the emergency room and received six stitches. However, starting on December 6, 2023, I began to experience mild dizziness throughout t...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello Mr. A-Lung, You mentioned, "On 2023/12/12, I have been feeling slightly dizzy all day. I wonder if it could be a concussion or a brain hemorrhage?" Generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, no anticoagulant use, or significant local hematoma, head...

Understanding Head Trauma: Symptoms and Potential Conditions

Hello doctor, my girlfriend had a car accident and hit her head. She is experiencing dizziness, and sometimes objects in front of her appear to be spinning. Could you please tell me what condition these symptoms might be related to? Thank you.

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology
After a head injury, individuals often suffer from varying degrees of dizziness or headaches, which can last for a short or long duration. It is advisable to undergo a thorough neurological examination by a neurologist.

Understanding Head Injuries: Symptoms, Risks, and Necessary Evaluations

Hello, Doctor. About four years ago, I was physically abused by a family member who struck me on the head and forcefully pulled my hair. At that time, the injured area swelled, and I experienced headaches and dizziness. However, due to threats from other family members, I was too...

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology
Hello: A scalp swelling caused by a head impact does not necessarily indicate intracranial brain injury. If headaches occur more than 10 days a month, it is advisable to visit a neurology clinic.