Post-Crash Dizziness: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall

Dizziness after a car accident?

Hello, after 10 PM on October 12, my friend was riding a scooter with me.
To avoid a taxi in front of us, he made a left turn, turning about 270 degrees.
It was drizzling, and the road was slippery, causing us to fall off.
When I got up, I felt very dizzy, had some nausea, and experienced brief amnesia for about five minutes, but then my memory returned.
I have some abrasions on my body and dizziness.
The next morning, I woke up feeling sore all over, with a stiff neck, a heavy feeling in my head, and some nausea in the afternoon.
Should I observe my condition at home for a day, and if the dizziness and nausea persist, go see a doctor, or should I go to the hospital directly? Thank you.

chris, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/10/13

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

Just go to the hospital!

Reply Date: 2016/10/13

More Info

After experiencing a fall or crash, especially one that involves a head injury, it is crucial to be vigilant about any symptoms that may arise. In your case, the symptoms you described—dizziness, nausea, transient memory loss, and neck discomfort—are concerning and warrant careful consideration.

When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Immediate Symptoms: If you experience any of the following symptoms after a fall, you should seek medical attention immediately:
- Loss of consciousness, even if brief.

- Persistent or worsening headache.

- Repeated vomiting or nausea.

- Confusion or difficulty concentrating.

- Weakness or numbness in any part of the body.

- Seizures.

- Clear fluid or blood leaking from the nose or ears.

- Unequal pupil size or vision changes.

2. Delayed Symptoms: Symptoms may not always present immediately. If you notice any of the above symptoms developing in the hours or days following the incident, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Your Current Situation
Given that you experienced dizziness, nausea, and transient memory loss, it is advisable to err on the side of caution. While it may be tempting to wait and observe your symptoms for a day, the combination of your symptoms suggests that you could be at risk for a concussion or other serious head injury.

Recommendations
- Seek Medical Attention: Given your symptoms, it would be prudent to visit a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They may perform a neurological examination and possibly imaging studies (like a CT scan) to rule out any serious injuries such as a concussion, intracranial hemorrhage, or cervical spine injury.

- Observation at Home: If you choose to stay home for observation, ensure that someone is with you to monitor your condition. Avoid activities that could put you at risk for another fall, such as driving or operating heavy machinery.
- Rest and Hydration: Make sure to rest and stay hydrated. Avoid screens and bright lights, as they can exacerbate dizziness and nausea.

- Follow-Up: If your symptoms worsen or do not improve within a few hours, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion
In summary, while some symptoms may seem mild, the potential for serious injury following a fall cannot be overlooked. It is always better to be cautious and seek medical evaluation, especially when experiencing symptoms like dizziness and nausea after a head injury. Your health and safety should be the top priority, and a healthcare professional can provide the necessary assessment and care.

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