Head Injuries: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

Q: Head Injuries: Symptoms and When to Seek Help

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

Head trauma

Yesterday, while sitting down, I hit the back of my head against a wooden podium.
Occasionally, I experience pain in my left ear, which has become more frequent today.
Additionally, I now have pain in my right ear and a feeling of drowsiness.

Yang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/12/08

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, the use of anticoagulants, or obvious local hematomas, head injuries are mostly mild.
However, if the following conditions occur, delayed bleeding should be considered, and the patient 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.
Head injuries must be assessed through observation.
If the patient is alert and only has a scalp injury, mild headache, or dizziness, observation is sufficient, and a CT scan is not necessary.
However, if there is post-traumatic amnesia, loss of consciousness after the injury, more than two episodes of vomiting, severe headache, post-traumatic seizures, significant subcutaneous hematoma, multiple injuries, penetrating wounds, skull fractures, falls from a height greater than one meter, major traumatic events, age over 65, a history of coagulopathy, or long-term use of antiplatelet agents, a CT scan should be performed.
Wishing you good health, safety, and happiness.
Dr.
Jiang from Taoyuan Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2020/12/08

More Info

Head injuries can be concerning, and it's crucial to understand the symptoms and when to seek medical help. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a head injury when you hit the back of your head against a wooden podium. Following this incident, you're experiencing pain in your left ear, which has become more frequent, and now you're also feeling pain in your right ear, along with a sense of fatigue or drowsiness.

Symptoms of Head Injuries
After a head injury, symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity and location of the impact. Common symptoms to watch for include:
1. Headache: This is one of the most common symptoms following a head injury. It can range from mild to severe and may be localized or generalized.

2. Dizziness or Balance Issues: Feeling dizzy or having trouble maintaining balance can indicate a concussion or other brain injury.

3. Nausea or Vomiting: These symptoms can occur due to increased intracranial pressure or irritation of the brain.

4. Ear Pain or Discomfort: Pain in the ears, especially if it develops after a head injury, can indicate potential complications, such as fluid buildup or injury to the structures of the ear.

5. Fatigue or Drowsiness: Feeling unusually tired or having an increased desire to sleep can be a sign of a concussion or other brain injury.

6. Cognitive Changes: Difficulty concentrating, confusion, or memory issues can also occur after a head injury.

7. Visual or Auditory Disturbances: Changes in vision or hearing, such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus), can be associated with head trauma.

When to Seek Medical Help
Given your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention, especially if you experience any of the following:
- Worsening Headache: If your headache intensifies or does not improve with over-the-counter pain relief.

- Persistent or Worsening Ear Pain: Since you mentioned that the ear pain has increased and is now affecting both ears, this warrants further evaluation.

- Dizziness or Balance Problems: If you find it difficult to maintain your balance or if dizziness persists.

- Nausea or Vomiting: If you experience these symptoms, it could indicate increased pressure in the skull.

- Changes in Consciousness: If you feel unusually drowsy, confused, or have difficulty waking up.

- Neurological Symptoms: Any weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking should be treated as an emergency.

Conclusion
In your case, the combination of ear pain, increased fatigue, and the recent head injury suggests that you should consult a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, which may include imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any serious complications such as a concussion, skull fracture, or other intracranial injuries.

It's essential to take head injuries seriously, as they can lead to complications if not properly assessed and managed. Remember to avoid activities that could risk further injury, such as sports or heavy lifting, until you have been evaluated by a medical professional. Your health and safety should always come first.

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