Head Injury from Baseball: Eye Symptoms and Recovery

A baseball hit on the top of the head?

Three days ago, I was hit on the forehead just above the hairline (toward the right) by a high fly ball.
At the moment of impact, the upper half of my right eye's field of vision was normal, while the lower half was completely black and gray, similar to a broken screen.
This lasted for about three minutes before my vision fully returned.
I did not experience dizziness that day, so I asked my family to monitor my condition.
Three days later, upon waking up, I feel a sensation of vertigo, but it only occurs when I get up from lying down, which has never happened before.
I am unsure whether I should go to the hospital for further observation or see a doctor.
Additionally, although my vision has returned, I would like to understand the relationship between the impact to my head and my eyes.
Thank you, doctor.

Haohao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/10

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

Head trauma often accompanies headaches and dizziness, but the more concerning issue is intracranial hemorrhage.
If dizziness is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, it is advisable to seek treatment at a neurosurgery outpatient clinic.

Reply Date: 2023/10/10

More Info

Experiencing a head injury from a baseball can lead to a variety of symptoms, particularly when it comes to vision and balance. In your case, the initial incident resulted in a temporary loss of vision in the lower half of your right eye, which resolved after a few minutes. This kind of visual disturbance can be alarming, and it is essential to understand the potential implications of such an injury.

When a blunt force trauma occurs to the head, it can affect not only the skull and brain but also the eyes and their associated structures. The symptoms you described, such as the temporary blackout in your vision, could be attributed to several factors. One possibility is that the impact caused a transient disturbance in the visual pathways or the retina, which may have led to the temporary visual loss. The brain processes visual information, and any disruption, even momentarily, can result in visual anomalies.

The fact that you are now experiencing dizziness upon standing could indicate a condition known as postural hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure when changing positions. This can sometimes occur after head injuries due to changes in the autonomic nervous system's regulation. However, dizziness can also be a sign of more serious issues, such as a concussion or even intracranial bleeding, especially if it persists or worsens.

Given that you initially did not experience dizziness or other symptoms immediately after the injury, it is crucial to monitor your condition closely. The appearance of dizziness three days later is concerning and warrants further evaluation. It is advisable to seek medical attention, particularly from a neurologist or an ophthalmologist, who can perform a thorough examination. They may recommend imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any structural damage or bleeding in the brain.

Regarding the relationship between the head injury and your eye symptoms, it is important to note that the eyes are closely linked to the brain. The optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain, can be affected by head trauma. Additionally, the brain's processing centers for vision can also be impacted, leading to visual disturbances. Even if your vision has returned to normal, there may still be underlying issues that need to be addressed.

In summary, while your initial symptoms improved, the subsequent onset of dizziness is a significant concern. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to evaluate your symptoms comprehensively. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries, as complications can arise even days after the initial trauma.

Similar Q&A

Assessing Long-Term Effects of a Baseball Head Injury in Teens

I am 18 years old now, but about 6 to 8 years ago, when I was in elementary school, I was hit on the head (slightly towards the back right side) by a hard baseball that was thrown high into the air while playing on the playground. At that moment, I only experienced dizziness and ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there was no loss of consciousness at the time of the head injury, no use of anticoagulants, or significant local hematoma, the head injury is mostly minor. Common symptoms of brain injury from head trauma typically occur w...

Eye Injury from Sports: When to Seek Medical Attention

I was poked in the eye while playing ball. At first, my vision was a bit blurry, but it improved after resting for a while. However, there are blood vessels in the sclera, and I feel a foreign body sensation when I blink. What should I do? Do I need to see an ophthalmologist? Tha...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Alan: Regardless of the type of injury to your eyes, it is essential to have an examination by an ophthalmologist. Following the doctor's instructions for follow-up examinations can help prevent potential complications. The ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital in ...

Understanding Eye Flickering: Causes and Concerns After Injury

I previously played baseball but suffered two eye injuries, one to my left eye last September and another to my right eye this April. Recently, I noticed seeing some red objects that seem to be moving. What could be the cause of this?

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
It is recommended that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to determine if any additional examinations are necessary. Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Understanding Eye Trauma: Symptoms, Recovery, and Concerns

Hello, Doctor. Three days ago, while I was trimming my nails, I accidentally mishandled the nail clipper, and it bounced off and hit my eyeball (right eye). I can't describe the force, but it struck the pupil area near my nose. My eyeball twitched a few times, and for a mome...

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology
If there are issues with the retina or optic nerve, the eyeball itself will not have any specific sensations. Overall, it seems that your eyes should not have experienced significant problems due to this incident.