Head Injury, Insomnia, and Numbness: Neurological Symptoms

Q: Head Injury, Insomnia, and Numbness: Neurological Symptoms

Hello： Based on your symptom description, it can be classified as post-concussive syndrome. <br>Symptoms may persist for several weeks and will eventually resolve on their own. <br>If you are still very concerned, you can visit a neurologist for an evaluation. <br>The neurologist

Head trauma + insomnia + numbness?

Hello Doctor, last Thursday, September 1st, I accidentally bumped into a wooden cabinet at home (the cabinet is 137 cm tall and I am 177 cm tall).
At the moment, I felt a little pain, but I was fully conscious.
There was some redness and mild swelling on my head, specifically on the upper front part.
I didn't think much of it at the time.

On the first day (September 2nd), I felt a bit dizzy, had some nausea, and my vision seemed off.
I felt very sleepy and had difficulty concentrating, but my sleep was normal.
On the second day (September 3rd), the symptoms were the same.
By the third day (September 4th), the redness and swelling on my head had subsided, but I still felt like I did on the first day.
My vision still seemed abnormal.
That day, I consulted a family medicine doctor I know, who thought my symptoms were mild.
My heart rate was slightly elevated, but my blood pressure was normal.
He prescribed medication for my dizziness and nausea, but I experienced insomnia that night.
On the fourth day (September 5th), my vision still seemed off, and I had insomnia again.
I usually sleep on my side, but that day I was awakened by numbness in my arms and legs (which has never happened before).
My eye sockets felt very sore and tired (I also didn't dare to sleep during the day).
While lying in bed, my heart was racing.

On the fifth day (September 6th), my vision continued to seem off, and I had insomnia again.
Sometimes, I felt like I was losing consciousness while falling asleep, only to be awakened shortly after (I also didn't dare to sleep during the day).

On the sixth day (September 7th), my vision still seemed off, and I had insomnia again (I also didn't dare to sleep during the day).
Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore and borrowed half a sleeping pill from my mother.
I slept from 11 PM to 5 AM, but when I woke up at 5 AM and tried to go back to sleep at 5:30 AM, I was awakened again shortly after.
I would like to ask the doctor:
1.
Are my insomnia and being awakened (over the past few days) residual effects from the head injury, or am I just scaring myself (since I have been prone to anxiety and insomnia before exams since childhood, but the insomnia symptoms usually disappear after the exams)? What could be the cause of frequently being awakened during sleep?
2.
Is the soreness around my eyes and the abnormal vision possibly due to a head injury affecting my optic nerve?
3.
Is there a possibility of a brain hemorrhage or some issue with my cranial nerves? Should I get a CT scan or X-ray? Thank you for your patience in reading this.

Cao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/09/09

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology

Hello: Based on your symptom description, it can be classified as post-concussive syndrome.
Symptoms may persist for several weeks and will eventually resolve on their own.
If you are still very concerned, you can visit a neurologist for an evaluation.
The neurologist will likely arrange for a head CT scan to check for any delayed intracranial bleeding.
It is recommended that you rest during this time, and your symptoms should gradually improve.

Reply Date: 2016/09/09

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a head injury that has led to a series of concerning symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, visual disturbances, insomnia, and episodes of numbness. Let's break down your concerns and address them one by one.

1. Insomnia and Numbness: The insomnia and episodes of waking up with numbness could indeed be related to your head injury. After a concussion or any head trauma, it is not uncommon for individuals to experience sleep disturbances, anxiety, and heightened sensitivity to stimuli. Your history of anxiety and nervousness, especially around exam times, may exacerbate these symptoms. The trauma could have triggered a stress response, leading to increased anxiety and insomnia. The numbness you are experiencing, particularly if it is affecting one side of your body, could indicate nerve involvement or a reaction to anxiety. It is essential to monitor these symptoms closely, as they can sometimes indicate more serious issues.

2. Visual Disturbances: The feeling of "seeing things strangely" and the discomfort around your eyes could be related to the head injury. While it is possible for head trauma to affect the optic nerve or cause visual disturbances, it is also common for anxiety and stress to manifest as visual symptoms. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it would be prudent to consult an eye specialist or a neurologist to rule out any serious conditions, including potential damage to the visual pathways.

3. Concerns about Brain Bleeding or Neurological Issues: Given your symptoms, particularly the persistent dizziness, nausea, and visual disturbances, it is advisable to seek further evaluation. While your initial assessment by a family physician deemed your symptoms as ordinary, the persistence and nature of your symptoms warrant further investigation. A CT scan or MRI could help rule out any intracranial bleeding or other structural issues. It is crucial to address these concerns promptly, as early intervention can be critical in managing potential complications from head injuries.

In summary, your symptoms could be a combination of post-concussion syndrome, anxiety, and possibly some neurological involvement. It is essential to follow up with a neurologist who can perform a thorough examination and possibly recommend imaging studies to ensure there are no serious underlying issues. Additionally, addressing your anxiety through counseling or medication may also help alleviate some of your symptoms.
In the meantime, try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, practice relaxation techniques, and avoid activities that could exacerbate your symptoms. If you experience any new symptoms, such as severe headaches, confusion, or worsening numbness, seek medical attention immediately. Your health and well-being are paramount, and taking these steps can help you on your path to recovery.

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