Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms

Q: Head Injury Concerns: When to Seek Medical Attention for Symptoms

Hello： You may have a mild concussion causing headaches and dizziness. <br>If these symptoms worsen, you need to go to the emergency department for a brain scan. <br>For severe issues with your right ear, you should see an otolaryngologist to check for any bleeding or structural

Head issues

Hello Doctor, on Sunday night, while I was squatting down to place an item, I stood up and accidentally hit the left side of my head against the door of an upper cabinet with some force.
It hurt for about five minutes.
After checking, there was no visible swelling or bleeding, but I have been experiencing some dizziness (similar to a feeling of cerebral congestion) and generalized headaches, along with a slight feeling of fullness in my right ear, which has persisted until Saturday.
Although the symptoms are mild (they do not affect my daily activities), it has been five days and there doesn't seem to be much improvement.
Should I continue to monitor the situation? If I need to seek medical attention, is it appropriate to first visit an ENT specialist? Thank you, Doctor!

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/03/07

Dr. Zhao Shaoqing reply Neurosurgery

Hello: You may have a mild concussion causing headaches and dizziness.
If these symptoms worsen, you need to go to the emergency department for a brain scan.
For severe issues with your right ear, you should see an otolaryngologist to check for any bleeding or structural problems.
Thank you for your concern from the Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2020/03/07

More Info

When it comes to head injuries, understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial for your health and safety. Based on your description, you experienced a head impact from a cabinet door, which resulted in some immediate pain but no visible external injuries. However, you have been experiencing persistent symptoms such as dizziness, generalized headaches, and a sensation of fullness in your right ear for several days.
First, it’s important to recognize that head injuries can lead to various complications, including concussions, intracranial bleeding, or other neurological issues. While you mentioned that your symptoms are mild and do not significantly impact your daily activities, the persistence of these symptoms over five days is a cause for concern.

Symptoms to Monitor
1. Headaches: While headaches can be common after a head injury, they should not persist for an extended period without improvement. If the headache worsens or changes in character, it could indicate a more serious issue.

2. Dizziness: This can be a sign of a concussion or other neurological issues. If you experience worsening dizziness, it could be a sign that you need further evaluation.

3. Ear Symptoms: The sensation of fullness in your ear could be related to the head injury, but it could also indicate an issue with your inner ear or eustachian tube dysfunction.
4. Cognitive Changes: If you notice any changes in your ability to concentrate, memory issues, or confusion, these are red flags that warrant immediate medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Worsening headache or a headache that feels different from your usual headaches.

- Persistent dizziness or balance issues.

- Nausea or vomiting.

- Changes in vision, such as blurred or double vision.

- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.

- Weakness or numbness in any part of your body.

- Any signs of confusion or changes in consciousness.

Initial Steps
Given that your symptoms have persisted for five days, it is advisable to seek medical attention rather than continuing to observe. While you could initially consider visiting an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for the ear-related symptoms, it may be more prudent to see a neurologist or go to an urgent care facility where they can assess your head injury comprehensively.

Diagnostic Approach
A healthcare provider may perform a neurological examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any serious complications like intracranial bleeding or structural brain injuries.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is good that you are monitoring your symptoms, the persistence of your symptoms after a head injury is a sign that you should seek medical evaluation. Early intervention can help prevent potential complications and ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries.

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