Head Injury After Car Accident: Pain Management and Care Tips

A friend was in a car accident?

Hello, the friend of mine had a car accident yesterday and hit their forehead, resulting in bruising and a small abrasion.
Other injuries include abrasions on various parts of the body.
After resting at home for a day, they still experience headaches, describing the pain as sudden.
They also feel cold from the inside out.
The emergency department performed a brain scan, and the doctor diagnosed no bleeding, advising to monitor for three months.
Can they take pain medication for the headache? What care should I provide for their cold sensation? Thank you.

Shirley, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/10

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, use of anticoagulants, or obvious local hematoma, head trauma is mostly mild.
However, the following conditions warrant consideration of delayed bleeding and require a visit to the emergency room: (1) Deterioration of vision, seeing double (diplopia), or unequal pupil size.
(2) Watery fluid or blood leaking from the ears or nose.
(3) Confusion or abnormal behavior.
(4) Numbness or inability to move limbs.
(5) Localized involuntary movements or seizures.
If you need to take pain medication, it is recommended to use single-ingredient acetaminophen, with a maximum dosage of 4 grams per day, as it is less harsh on the stomach compared to other pain relievers.
Common anti-inflammatory pain medications, such as NSAIDs, have a 20% incidence of gastrointestinal ulcers among patients, with 1-4% experiencing complications such as bleeding or gastric perforation due to these ulcers.
Wishing you good health and safety.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/09/10

More Info

After a car accident, head injuries can lead to a variety of symptoms, including headaches, bruising, and other physical discomforts. It is crucial to monitor these symptoms closely, especially if they persist or worsen over time. In your friend's case, since he experienced a head injury with subsequent headaches and a sensation of internal coldness, there are several important considerations for pain management and care.

Pain Management
1. Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Your friend can take over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to help alleviate headaches. However, it is essential to follow the recommended dosage on the packaging and consult a healthcare provider if he has any underlying health conditions or is taking other medications.

2. Hydration: Encourage your friend to stay well-hydrated. Dehydration can exacerbate headaches and feelings of coldness. Drinking plenty of water can help maintain overall health and potentially reduce headache frequency.

3. Rest: Adequate rest is vital for recovery after a head injury. Your friend should avoid strenuous activities and ensure he gets enough sleep. If he experiences difficulty sleeping, he might consider creating a calming bedtime routine or discussing sleep aids with a healthcare provider.

4. Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the forehead may help reduce headache pain and alleviate any swelling from the injury. Ensure that the compress is wrapped in a cloth to prevent skin irritation.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: It's important to keep an eye on any changes in symptoms. If headaches worsen, or if new symptoms arise (such as confusion, persistent vomiting, or changes in vision), your friend should seek medical attention immediately.

Addressing the Sensation of Coldness
1. Warmth: If your friend feels cold internally, he might benefit from wearing warm clothing or using blankets. A warm bath or shower can also help improve circulation and provide comfort.

2. Nutrition: Encourage a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support recovery. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish), antioxidants (like berries), and magnesium (like nuts and leafy greens) can be beneficial for brain health.

3. Gentle Movement: While rest is essential, gentle movement or stretching can help improve circulation and reduce feelings of coldness. Simple neck and shoulder stretches may relieve tension that could be contributing to headaches.

4. Avoiding Triggers: If your friend notices that certain activities or environments exacerbate his symptoms (like bright lights or loud noises), it’s best to avoid these triggers as much as possible during recovery.

Follow-Up Care
Since the emergency physician advised observation for three months, it is crucial for your friend to keep all follow-up appointments. Regular check-ups will help monitor his recovery and address any ongoing symptoms. If headaches persist or worsen, or if he experiences any new symptoms, he should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Conclusion
In summary, your friend can take over-the-counter pain medication, stay hydrated, rest adequately, and apply cold compresses for headache relief. Addressing the sensation of coldness involves keeping warm, maintaining a nutritious diet, and engaging in gentle movements. Continuous monitoring of symptoms is essential, and any concerning changes should prompt immediate medical attention. With proper care and attention, your friend can navigate his recovery effectively.

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