Headache and Dizziness After Nose Injury: Is It Related?

Nasal trauma causing headache?

Hello, four days ago while training my dog, I was hit on the bridge of my nose, which resulted in swelling.
About 20 minutes later, I suddenly experienced pain in my temples and then vomited four times.
After that, I continued to feel dizzy and nauseous until I sought medical attention.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the emergency physician ordered an X-ray of my nose, which showed no issues.
They administered an antiemetic injection and prescribed some medications for nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
The next day, I felt dizzy in the afternoon on both the first and second days.
On the third day, I had a headache at night (I have a history of migraines, so I thought it was triggered by a sudden drop in temperature).
I took over-the-counter pain medication, and after a good night's sleep, I felt better.
However, on the fourth day, I woke up with no improvement in my headache, and it was severe enough to cause vomiting (which also happens with my migraines).
I then experienced dizziness again.
Could the symptoms I've experienced over the past few days be related to the impact on my nose?

Akita, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/24

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 local hematomas, head trauma is mostly mild.
However, the following conditions should prompt consideration of delayed bleeding and a visit to the emergency room: (1) Deterioration of vision, seeing double (diplopia), or unequal pupil size.
(2) Watery fluid or blood leaking from the ears or nose.
(3) Confusion or abnormal behavior.
(4) Numbness or inability to move limbs.
(5) Seizures.
If your symptoms do not accompany any other symptoms, they may still be related to migraine.
If symptoms persist, it is advisable to discuss further evaluation with a neurologist.
Wishing you good health and peace.

Reply Date: 2016/12/24

More Info

Headaches and dizziness following a nasal injury can indeed be related, particularly if the injury was significant enough to cause trauma to the surrounding structures, including the brain. In your case, the incident where you were struck on the nose by a dog's head could have resulted in a concussion or other forms of head trauma, even if the X-ray did not show any fractures in the nasal bones.

When you experience a blow to the head, several things can happen. The impact can cause a concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, which you have experienced. The fact that you vomited multiple times after the injury is particularly concerning, as this can indicate increased intracranial pressure or irritation of the brain.

Your description of the headache localized around the temples and the subsequent nausea aligns with common symptoms of a concussion. Additionally, the fact that you have a history of migraines may complicate your situation. Migraines can be triggered by various factors, including stress, changes in weather, and physical trauma. The sudden onset of headache and dizziness after your nasal injury could have exacerbated your underlying migraine condition.

It's also important to consider that the brain is housed within the skull, and any trauma to the head can potentially lead to complications such as a concussion, intracranial hemorrhage, or post-traumatic headaches. While your X-ray showed no fractures, it is still possible to have sustained a concussion or other soft tissue injuries that may not be visible on an X-ray.

In the days following your injury, if you continue to experience persistent headaches, dizziness, or vomiting, it is crucial to seek further medical evaluation. A CT scan or MRI may be warranted to rule out any internal bleeding or other complications that could arise from the trauma. Additionally, if your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms such as confusion, difficulty speaking, or weakness, you should seek immediate medical attention.

In the meantime, it is advisable to rest and avoid any activities that could exacerbate your symptoms, such as strenuous exercise or exposure to bright lights. Staying hydrated and taking prescribed medications for nausea and pain relief can help manage your symptoms. If you have been prescribed medication for your migraines, consult your healthcare provider about the best approach to manage your headaches in the context of your recent injury.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing—headaches and dizziness—are likely related to the nasal injury you sustained. Given the complexity of your symptoms and their potential implications, it is essential to remain vigilant and seek further medical advice if your condition does not improve or worsens. Your health and safety should always be the top priority.

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