Could a Sudden Drop Cause a Mild Concussion? Symptoms

Elevation difference

A few days ago, while walking, I accidentally stepped down hard on a height difference (about a stair step), and I felt my head shake.
After that, I felt a bit fatigued, but there were no issues with cognition or vision, and I did not experience vomiting, headache, or confusion—just some fatigue.
Could this possibly be a mild concussion?

Xiao Hao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/04/27

Dr. Cai Zongzhang reply Neurology

Hello, your symptoms may be related to the fall you experienced.
It is recommended that you visit a neurology outpatient clinic for further evaluation.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2019/04/27

More Info

A sudden drop or impact, such as stepping down a staircase without proper attention, can indeed lead to a mild concussion, also known as a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Concussions occur when there is a jolt or blow to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. This movement can lead to chemical changes in the brain and sometimes damage brain cells.

In your case, you mentioned feeling a bit fatigued after the incident but did not experience any of the more common symptoms associated with concussions, such as headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, or loss of consciousness. While it is possible to have a concussion without experiencing all of these symptoms, the absence of significant cognitive or physical symptoms is a positive sign.
Fatigue can be a symptom of a concussion, but it can also result from various other factors, including stress, lack of sleep, or even anxiety about the incident itself. It is important to monitor your symptoms closely. Here are some key points to consider regarding concussions and their symptoms:
1. Common Symptoms of Concussion: These can include headache, confusion, dizziness, balance problems, fatigue, nausea, sensitivity to light or noise, and difficulty concentrating. Some individuals may also experience mood changes or sleep disturbances.

2. Delayed Symptoms: Symptoms of a concussion may not appear immediately. They can develop hours or even days after the injury. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on how you feel in the days following the incident.

3. Rest and Recovery: If you suspect a concussion, it is essential to rest both physically and cognitively. This means avoiding activities that require significant concentration, such as reading, using a computer, or playing video games, as well as physical activities that could risk another injury.

4. When to Seek Medical Attention: If you begin to experience worsening symptoms, such as severe headaches, repeated vomiting, increasing confusion, or any loss of consciousness, you should seek medical attention immediately. A healthcare professional may perform a neurological examination and, if necessary, imaging studies like a CT scan to rule out more severe injuries.

5. Long-term Effects: While most people recover fully from a mild concussion, some may experience prolonged symptoms, a condition known as post-concussion syndrome. This can include persistent headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.

In summary, while your symptoms do not strongly indicate a concussion, it is essential to remain vigilant and monitor your condition. If you notice any changes or worsening of symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation. Taking care of your brain health is crucial, and understanding the signs and symptoms of concussions can help you make informed decisions about your recovery.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Mild Concussions: Symptoms and Recovery After a Fall

On October 25, I accidentally fell off my bicycle and hit my head. I did not lose consciousness, but afterwards, I experienced difficulty concentrating, dizziness, and some incoherent speech. There was a noticeable bump on the upper left side of my head, but after resting for two...

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery
If you did not lose consciousness at the time of the injury, it cannot be classified as a concussion. Essentially, there is no term for "mild" concussion; the definition of a concussion is loss of consciousness for more than 10 minutes after the injury, followed by a re...

Understanding Post-Concussion Symptoms: Dizziness and Memory Loss

At the beginning of the month, I fell off my bike and sustained abrasions. Since my head hit the ground, I experienced brief dizziness and a few seconds of blankness. I consulted a doctor and underwent a CT scan, which showed no bleeding. I was assessed with a mild concussion and...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, head trauma without loss of consciousness, use of anticoagulants, or obvious local hematomas tends to be mild, and the sequelae of a concussion are usually not significant. As for the occurrence of fainting, it is important to...

Understanding Head Trauma: Symptoms and Risks After an Accident

A week ago, I was in a car accident while wearing a helmet. My head hit the ground first, and although it was loud, I didn't feel like I had hit my head at the time. I was conscious and experienced some dizziness, so I went to the hospital for an X-ray, which showed no skull...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Mild concussions caused by head trauma can present with such phenomena. As long as there is no change in consciousness or limb weakness, it is generally not indicative of intracranial bleeding. It is advisable to temporarily avoid vigorous exercise. If symptoms persist without im...

Understanding Concussion Symptoms After a Minor Motorcycle Accident

If you were hit by a motorcycle and fell on your buttocks without hitting your head, but are now experiencing dizziness that has become more frequent over the past two weeks, it is possible that you could be experiencing a concussion, especially if there was any jarring of the he...

Dr. Lai Zhaokang reply Neurosurgery
Hello, as mentioned: "There was no direct impact to the head, but I feel dizzy and lightheaded. Initially, it was just a little dizziness, but after two weeks, it has become more frequent." Since there was no direct trauma to the head and no external injury, it cannot b...