Head Injury from Basketball: When to Seek Emergency Care

Hit on the top of the head by a basketball?

Around 11 AM, I was hit on the head with a basketball, which caused me to experience headaches, dizziness, and overall weakness.
After a while, I started feeling a bit nauseous.
In the afternoon, my mom took me to a general clinic, where the doctor said there was no redness or swelling and advised me to take medication.
However, from 11 AM until now, after 10 PM, I still have some pain deep inside my head, along with dizziness and nausea that I can't seem to relieve.
I also feel extremely weak and sleepy, and I have a slight unsteadiness when walking.
When I sit and then stand up, I feel a bit lightheaded, which used to happen only when I stood up quickly.
Should I go to a larger hospital for further evaluation?

Xuan Xuan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/09

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

You should rest and continue to monitor your condition.
If discomfort persists, please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2016/12/09

More Info

When it comes to head injuries, especially those sustained during sports like basketball, it’s crucial to be vigilant about the symptoms that may arise afterward. Based on your description, it sounds like you are experiencing several concerning symptoms: persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and instability when walking. These symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as a concussion or even intracranial bleeding.

Firstly, let’s discuss the immediate symptoms you are experiencing. A headache that persists for several hours after the injury, especially if it is worsening, is a red flag. Dizziness and a feeling of weakness can also be signs of a concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury. Nausea, particularly if it is accompanied by vomiting, can indicate increased intracranial pressure or other complications. The fact that you feel unsteady when walking and experience symptoms of lightheadedness upon standing could suggest that your body is struggling to maintain proper blood flow, which can be exacerbated by a head injury.

Given these symptoms, it is advisable to seek emergency care. While the initial assessment at the small clinic indicated no visible signs of injury, such as bruising or swelling, this does not rule out internal injuries. Head injuries can sometimes lead to complications that are not immediately apparent. For example, a concussion can lead to post-concussion syndrome, which includes prolonged symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. More seriously, there is a risk of intracranial bleeding, which can occur even without a visible external injury.

In emergency care, medical professionals can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a neurological examination and imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out any serious complications. It is essential to monitor for any worsening of symptoms, such as increased confusion, difficulty waking up, seizures, or any changes in vision or speech. These could indicate a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

In summary, based on your symptoms of persistent headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and instability, it is highly recommended that you seek emergency medical attention. It is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries, as timely diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact recovery and prevent potential complications. Remember, your health and safety are the top priority, and it is always better to have a thorough evaluation to ensure that everything is okay.

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