Head Injury from Collision: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Head injury from hitting a metal box?

Hello Doctor: On October 1st, while brisk walking near a high fire area, I accidentally bumped the right side of my head against a metal box.
After the impact, I felt dizzy for about 2 to 3 seconds.
Later, I noticed that there is a painful area on the right side of my head, approximately 11 square centimeters, which hurts when pressed lightly.
I have gently massaged it and applied a topical ointment several times.
Now, the painful area has reduced to about 1 square centimeter.
However, as of today (October 4th), I have noticed the following over the past few days: 1.
Frequent forgetfulness.
2.
Persistent mild dizziness, but it does not affect my daily life.
3.
In certain specific positions, the impacted area feels swollen, such as when sitting and bending down to tie my shoelaces (this condition is gradually improving; today it feels less severe than in previous days).
Should I go to the hospital, or should I wait and see if it improves before seeking medical attention? Thank you, and I wish you good health and all the best.

Log HU, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/10/04

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

If there is no improvement, I will go to the hospital for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2017/10/04

More Info

When it comes to head injuries, especially those resulting from collisions, it is crucial to be vigilant about the symptoms that may indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as intracranial bleeding or concussion. Based on your description, it appears that you experienced a significant impact to the right side of your head, which initially caused dizziness and localized pain. While the pain has decreased over the past few days, you are now experiencing memory issues, persistent mild dizziness, and a sensation of swelling in specific positions.

Given these symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Here are several reasons why:
1. Memory Issues: Forgetfulness after a head injury can be a sign of a concussion or other brain injury. While some memory lapses can be benign, they can also indicate that the brain has been affected in a way that requires medical evaluation.

2. Persistent Dizziness: Continuous dizziness, even if mild, can be a symptom of vestibular dysfunction or other neurological issues that may arise after a head injury. This symptom should not be ignored, as it may indicate that your brain is struggling to maintain balance or process sensory information correctly.

3. Localized Pain and Swelling: The area of pain you described, which has decreased in size but still causes discomfort, could indicate a contusion or hematoma. While it is a positive sign that the pain has lessened, any ongoing pain or swelling should be assessed by a healthcare professional to rule out complications.

4. Potential for Delayed Symptoms: Symptoms of serious conditions like intracranial bleeding can sometimes develop days after the initial injury. The fact that you experienced dizziness immediately after the impact and are now noticing cognitive changes warrants a thorough evaluation.

5. Neurological Assessment: A healthcare provider can perform a neurological examination to assess your cognitive function, balance, and coordination. They may also recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan, to rule out any structural damage to the brain.

In summary, while it may be tempting to wait and see if your symptoms improve, the combination of memory issues, persistent dizziness, and localized pain suggests that you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries. A healthcare professional can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine whether further diagnostic tests or treatments are necessary. Your health and safety are paramount, and timely intervention can make a significant difference in your recovery.

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