Should I See a Doctor Three Days After Hitting My Hand?

Q: Should I See a Doctor Three Days After Hitting My Hand?

Hello, Miss： Generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, no anticoagulant use, or obvious local hematoma, head injuries are mostly mild. <br>However, the following conditions warrant consideration of delayed bleeding and require a visit to the emergency room： (1) De

It has been three days since the injury; should I still see a doctor?

Hello, Doctor.
I would like to ask about an incident that happened two days ago when I forcefully bumped into the sharp corner of a table.
Initially, I thought it was just swollen, but then I ended up bleeding quite a bit, with blood all over my palm.
I managed to stop the bleeding with some tissue, but I haven't seen a doctor or applied any medication since then.
I took a picture of the injury, and while I feel it’s quite small, people around me who saw the photo said the wound looks large and urged me to see a doctor quickly.
As for my symptoms, yesterday while shopping, I squatted down to look for an item, and when I stood up, I suddenly felt very dizzy and nauseous.
However, I often have irregular meals due to work, and I tend to feel nauseous when I haven't eaten.
At the time of the injury, I hadn't eaten yet, so I'm unsure how to distinguish between the dizziness and nausea from the injury versus my usual stomach discomfort.
Since the injury, I feel like my vision has become tiring; my eyes feel fatigued and sore, and I can only look at my phone for a short time.
I've been going to bed early because I can't look at things for too long.
Currently, I don't feel like vomiting, but I have intermittent numbness and pain in my head.

The only thing that seems unusual to me is my behavior; since the injury and the following day, I feel like my behavior has been a bit off, and I have trouble communicating.
I feel like I'm speaking clearly and saying a lot, but later I realize I don't even know what I was talking about.
I also have sudden urges to shout.
However, today those symptoms have improved, although my eyes still feel sore, almost like I’m nearsighted.
The nausea is manageable, but I still feel dizzy and fatigued.
I would like to ask you, Doctor, since it has been three days since the injury, do I still need to see a doctor? Should I go to the emergency room or an outpatient clinic? Is it okay that I haven't applied any medication? I haven't washed my hair for three days because I'm afraid of getting it wet; when do you think I can wash my hair? Thank you, Doctor.

Xiao Hua, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/13

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Miss: Generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, no anticoagulant use, or obvious local hematoma, head injuries are 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.

Head trauma can lead to the displacement of otoliths in the vestibule of the inner ear, which may enter the semicircular canals.
When the head position changes, the movement of the otoliths within the semicircular canals can alter the neural potentials of the inner ear, resulting in dizziness.
Your symptoms may be due to inadequate fluid intake causing orthostatic hypotension, leading to insufficient cerebral circulation.
As for your scalp, if the skin is not extensively damaged, you can wash your hair after two days, but it is recommended to clean the wound again with sterile saline after washing.

I suggest you visit a neurosurgery outpatient clinic for follow-up on your "head injury." However, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to wait until the situation stabilizes before going to the hospital for examination.
Please ensure self-protection, maintain cleanliness and disinfection, and adhere to new pandemic prevention measures before and after your medical visit.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and safety.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/06/13

More Info

It sounds like you’ve had quite an ordeal with your hand injury and the subsequent symptoms you’re experiencing. Based on your description, it is definitely advisable to see a doctor, especially considering the nature of your injury and the symptoms that have developed since then.

Firstly, let’s address the injury itself. You mentioned hitting your hand hard against a sharp edge, which resulted in bleeding. Even if the wound appears small, any injury that causes significant bleeding should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. There’s a risk of infection, especially if the wound was not properly cleaned and dressed. Additionally, if the injury is deep, there could be damage to underlying structures such as tendons or nerves that may not be immediately apparent.
The symptoms you described—dizziness, nausea, and changes in behavior—are concerning. These could be related to a few factors. One possibility is that the impact caused a concussion, especially if you experienced a significant jolt to your head or body. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and changes in behavior or mood. Given that you mentioned feeling disoriented and having difficulty communicating, it’s crucial to rule out any serious head injury.

Moreover, your mention of feeling fatigued and having eye strain could be linked to several factors, including stress from the injury, lack of proper nutrition (as you noted irregular eating habits), or even the onset of a headache. It’s important to ensure that you are eating regularly and staying hydrated, as these factors can significantly affect your overall well-being and recovery.

Regarding your question about whether to go to the emergency room or a regular clinic, it would depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you are experiencing severe dizziness, persistent nausea, or any worsening of your condition, it would be best to go to the emergency room. They can conduct a thorough evaluation, including imaging if necessary, to rule out any serious injuries. If your symptoms are manageable but still concerning, a visit to your primary care physician or an urgent care clinic may suffice.

As for the wound itself, it is generally advisable to keep it clean and dry. If you haven’t been able to wash your hair or the area around the injury for three days, it’s important to do so gently once you see a doctor. They can provide guidance on how to care for the wound and when it’s safe to wash it. Avoid submerging the wound in water until it has healed sufficiently, as this can increase the risk of infection.

In summary, given the combination of your hand injury and the concerning symptoms you’ve described, I strongly recommend that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to injuries and potential complications. Your health and safety are paramount, and a healthcare professional can provide the appropriate care and guidance you need to recover fully.

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