Managing Concussion Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

How to manage a concussion?

On March 25, I fainted and hit my head, but I regained consciousness within 10 minutes.
I fainted again for a while and was awakened by a convenience store employee.
Although I continued to feel dizzy and had blurred vision, I did not go to the emergency room.
On March 27, I visited a neurologist, who diagnosed me with a concussion and arranged for an EEG, which came back normal.

On March 28 at 4 AM, I fainted again at home and woke up with my body leaning against the side of the bed, where there are rails, but I am unsure if I hit anything.
That night before bed, I vomited, and my blood pressure was measured at around 95/68.
Since March 28, I have experienced frequent dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and I vomited again on the night of March 31.
Now, any movement of my head causes dizziness and nausea, and I have episodes of drowsiness.
I usually take sleeping pills, and my sleep duration has increased from about 10 hours to over 15 hours a day.
My heart rate while awake has consistently ranged from 95 to 125 beats per minute.

I am unsure if these symptoms require outpatient medical attention.
If so, which specialty should I see?

yxian, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/01

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

Recommendation for a neurosurgical evaluation.

Reply Date: 2021/04/01

More Info

Managing concussion symptoms can be quite complex, especially when symptoms persist or worsen after the initial injury. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced multiple concerning symptoms following your head injury, including dizziness, confusion, vomiting, and changes in heart rate and sleep patterns.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that a concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can result from a blow to the head or body, causing the brain to move rapidly back and forth within the skull. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, which can be physical, cognitive, and emotional. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and difficulty concentrating.
In your case, the initial loss of consciousness, followed by recurrent episodes of dizziness and vomiting, are significant red flags. The fact that you experienced another episode of fainting and have ongoing symptoms such as persistent headaches and increased sleep duration (up to 15 hours) is concerning. Additionally, the elevated heart rate you mentioned (95-125 beats per minute) could indicate a physiological response to stress or pain, or it could be related to the concussion itself.

Given these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider who specializes in brain injuries, such as a neurologist or a concussion specialist. They can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include neurological examinations, imaging studies (like a CT scan or MRI), and possibly further tests to assess your brain function and rule out any complications from the concussion.

It is particularly important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Worsening headaches or persistent headaches that do not improve
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Seizures or convulsions
- Increasing confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs
- Difficulty waking up or staying awake
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
In your case, since you have already experienced vomiting and significant changes in your alertness and heart rate, it would be advisable to go to the emergency department or urgent care for a more immediate assessment. They can provide the necessary interventions and monitor your condition closely.

In summary, while some concussion symptoms can resolve with rest and time, your ongoing and worsening symptoms warrant a thorough medical evaluation. Do not hesitate to seek care, as timely intervention can help prevent further complications and support your recovery.

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