Head Injury After Motorcycle Fall: Do I Need a Follow-Up?

Q: Head Injury After Motorcycle Fall: Do I Need a Follow-Up?

Hello： The observation period for head trauma is generally about 7 to 14 days. <br>A small number of patients with head injuries may experience delayed intracranial hemorrhage or axonal injury to the brain. <br>During the observation period, the main concern is the potential for

Riding a motorcycle in the rain can be dangerous, leading to accidents and head injuries?

Hello, Doctor.
I had a motorcycle accident on December 21, 2019, where I fell while wearing a helmet and hit my head.
At that time, I felt a pressure and pain in the right side of my head, and moving my head slightly was very uncomfortable.
However, I did not experience headaches while sleeping.
The next morning, I continued to feel intermittent pain and dizziness, but I did not have any hallucinations or vomiting.
I managed to get through a full day of work the following day, and after work, I went to see a neurologist.
The doctor took an X-ray and prescribed medication that contained antipyretics and analgesics, asking me to return on January 3, 2020, to review the results.

For the first three days after the accident, I felt quite uncomfortable, but after that, the pain in my head was not as severe.
My vision, cognitive function, and memory seemed normal, and I was able to run and jump without any issues.
It has been nearly 14 days since my appointment.
Do you think I still need to return for a follow-up? I am hesitant because I don't want to waste money, as the consultation fee is 500.
Given that so much time has passed, I should be fine, right? Thank you!

Xiao Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/01/06

Dr. Hong Weibin reply Neurology

Hello: The observation period for head trauma is generally about 7 to 14 days.
A small number of patients with head injuries may experience delayed intracranial hemorrhage or axonal injury to the brain.
During the observation period, the main concern is the potential for such bleeding complications.
These complications do not occur immediately at the time of impact but may begin several days later.
Therefore, head examinations or CT scans performed at the time of the injury may appear normal.
If your symptoms are improving, that is certainly a good sign.
However, it is common for physicians to schedule follow-up appointments for patients with head injuries, indicating that there were some concerning symptoms at the time of the visit.
You can evaluate the pros and cons of returning for a follow-up appointment as follows (please add your own), and then decide whether it is worth it for you to return:
Pros of follow-up: You can ask the physician about related issues (e.g., sequelae, concussion...); you can hear the physician explain previous reports; it allows the physician to understand changes in your neurological examination symptoms, which can be documented in your medical record.
This documentation may be useful in case of future disputes related to accidents and insurance.

Cons of follow-up: It requires additional time; there may be costs associated with the visit.

Pros of not returning: You can save on costs.

Cons of not returning: You may become overly anxious, and if you experience symptoms like headaches or dizziness, you might start worrying excessively.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.

Reply Date: 2020/01/06

More Info

After a motorcycle accident, it is crucial to monitor any symptoms that may arise, especially when it comes to head injuries. Given your situation, where you experienced a head injury and have had ongoing symptoms such as pain and discomfort, it is advisable to consider a follow-up appointment with a healthcare professional.

Head injuries can lead to various complications, some of which may not be immediately apparent. For instance, you mentioned experiencing a sensation of pressure and pain on the right side of your head, which could indicate a concussion or other forms of traumatic brain injury. Although you did not experience loss of consciousness or severe symptoms like vomiting or confusion, it is important to note that some symptoms can develop or worsen over time.

In your case, the fact that you have been experiencing discomfort for several days following the accident warrants further evaluation. While you may feel that your symptoms have improved, it is essential to understand that head injuries can sometimes lead to delayed complications, such as intracranial bleeding or post-concussion syndrome. These conditions may not present immediate symptoms but can manifest days or even weeks after the initial injury.

The recommendation to follow up with a neurologist or a specialist in head injuries is based on the need to ensure that there are no underlying issues that could lead to more severe consequences if left unchecked. A follow-up appointment allows for a thorough examination and possibly imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any serious complications.
Additionally, your concerns about the cost of the visit are valid, but consider the potential risks of not seeking further medical advice. If there are any changes in your symptoms, such as increased headache intensity, new dizziness, or any cognitive changes, it would be prudent to seek medical attention immediately.
In summary, while you may feel that your symptoms are manageable, the nature of head injuries necessitates a cautious approach. It is better to err on the side of caution and have a follow-up appointment to ensure your health and safety. Your well-being is paramount, and addressing any lingering concerns with a healthcare professional can provide peace of mind and ensure that you are on the right path to recovery.

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