Head Injury Symptoms: Dizziness and Headache After a Hit

Q: Head Injury Symptoms: Dizziness and Headache After a Hit

Hello： Generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, use of anticoagulants, or obvious local hematomas, head trauma is mostly mild. <br>However, if the following conditions occur, delayed bleeding should be considered, and you should seek emergency care： (1) Deteriora

Head trauma, dizziness, and headache?

Two days ago (January 6th), I accidentally got hit on the head while playing with my classmates, specifically on the upper left side and the top of my head.
At that moment, I was fully conscious and did not feel any significant pain in the area that was struck.
However, starting yesterday (January 7th), I began to feel a bit dazed, and sometimes I experience a slight sharp pain on the right side of the top of my head.
Before going to bed, I also had a headache.
I'm not sure if this is related to my dance practice, as my shoulders and neck are also sore, which might be contributing to the headache.
This morning (January 8th), I woke up feeling dizzy, and during the day, I occasionally have pain.
I also feel dizzy when I stand up after sitting for a long time, and bending over or stretching for too long can cause some discomfort.
However, the soreness in my shoulders and neck has improved significantly.
As of now, while typing this, my symptoms have gotten better.
I looked up some information online, and some people suggested it might be due to stress, but since I did get hit on the head multiple times, I'm uncertain.
Can you help me determine what symptoms I might be experiencing? Should I seek medical attention?

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/08

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, use of anticoagulants, or obvious local hematomas, head trauma is mostly mild.
However, if the following conditions occur, delayed bleeding should be considered, and you should seek emergency care: (1) Deterioration of vision, seeing double (diplopia), or unequal pupil size.
(2) Clear fluid or blood leaking from the ears or nose.
(3) Confusion or abnormal behavior.
(4) Numbness or inability to move limbs.
(5) Seizures.
The symptoms you mentioned seem more indicative of fasciitis; I recommend consulting a neurologist or a rehabilitation physician for evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Medical Center cares about you.

Reply Date: 2019/01/08

More Info

Based on your description, it seems you may be experiencing symptoms related to a head injury, specifically post-concussion syndrome. After being struck on the head, even if you initially felt fine, it is not uncommon for symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and neck pain to develop later. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including the body's response to trauma, muscle tension, or even psychological factors such as stress.

When you mentioned that you felt "dizzy" and experienced "micro-pain" in your head after the incident, these could be signs of a concussion or other mild traumatic brain injury. Concussions can lead to a range of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and cognitive difficulties. The fact that you also experienced neck and shoulder pain suggests that there may be some muscle tension or strain associated with the injury, which can exacerbate headache symptoms.

It's important to note that symptoms of a concussion can sometimes be delayed. You might not feel the full effects of the injury immediately, and symptoms can manifest hours or even days later. The sharp pain you feel when bending or standing up quickly could be related to changes in blood flow or tension in the neck and upper back, which are common after a head injury.

Given that your symptoms have persisted for a few days and include dizziness and headaches, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor, particularly a neurologist or a specialist in sports medicine, can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a neurological examination and possibly imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI to rule out any serious injuries such as bleeding in the brain.

In the meantime, here are some recommendations to help manage your symptoms:
1. Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest, as your brain needs time to heal after an injury. Avoid strenuous activities, including intense physical exercise or dance practice, until you feel better.

2. Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your recovery.

3. Limit Screen Time: If you find that looking at screens (phones, computers, etc.) exacerbates your symptoms, try to limit your exposure to them.

4. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help manage headaches, but avoid medications like ibuprofen or aspirin unless advised by a doctor, especially if there is a concern about bleeding.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you experience worsening headaches, confusion, persistent dizziness, or any new symptoms such as vomiting or seizures, seek medical attention immediately.

6. Gradual Return to Activities: Once you start feeling better, gradually reintroduce activities, but listen to your body and stop if symptoms return.

In conclusion, while your symptoms may be related to the head injury you sustained, it is crucial to seek medical advice to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent complications and facilitate a smoother recovery.

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