Head Injuries: When to Seek Medical Attention

Head trauma

Hello, doctor.
About a month ago, I hit my forehead, and there was a large swelling on my head.
A month later, it still hurts, and the pain has even spread to my ear.
There was a moment when I couldn't see out of one eye, and my ear was slightly hard of hearing.
Is this normal?

Nǐ hǎ, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/29

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

If you experience persistent headaches, please visit the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for an evaluation.

Reply Date: 2022/08/29

More Info

When it comes to head injuries, understanding the symptoms and knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial for ensuring your health and safety. Based on your description, it sounds like you experienced a significant impact to your forehead about a month ago, which resulted in a large bump and persistent pain that has now spread to your ear. Additionally, you mentioned experiencing temporary vision loss and slight hearing impairment. These symptoms warrant careful consideration.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that head injuries can lead to various complications, including concussions, intracranial hemorrhages, and other serious conditions. The fact that you are still experiencing pain a month after the injury, particularly pain that radiates to other areas such as the ear, is concerning. The presence of symptoms like temporary vision loss and hearing impairment further raises the alarm. These could indicate that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In general, after a head injury, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately:
1. Persistent or worsening headache: If the headache does not improve or gets worse over time, it could indicate a more serious condition.

2. Vision changes: Any sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or temporary blindness, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

3. Hearing loss: Difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) following a head injury can be a sign of damage to the auditory system.

4. Dizziness or balance issues: Feeling dizzy or having trouble maintaining balance can indicate a concussion or other neurological issues.

5. Nausea or vomiting: These symptoms can be associated with increased intracranial pressure.

6. Confusion or difficulty concentrating: Cognitive changes following a head injury should not be ignored.

7. Seizures: Any seizure activity following a head injury is a medical emergency.

Given your symptoms, it is highly recommended that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, neurological assessment, and possibly imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to evaluate for any serious injuries, such as fractures or bleeding within the skull.

In the meantime, it is important to avoid any activities that could put you at risk for another head injury, such as contact sports or any high-risk activities. Rest is also crucial for recovery, and you should monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any new symptoms or if your current symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical care.

In summary, while some pain and discomfort can be expected after a head injury, persistent pain, especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms like vision and hearing changes, should not be taken lightly. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries, so please consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to ensure your well-being.

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