Head Injury from Rolling Door: Symptoms and Next Steps

Q: Head Injury from Rolling Door: Symptoms and Next Steps

Hello, Miss： You mentioned that "I can't really turn my head, and washing my hair while bending over causes severe pain. <br>The right side also hurts a lot while sleeping, but it feels a bit better after waking up." Your symptoms may suggest inflammation of the cervical fascia.

Hit the top of the head against a rolling metal door?

Hello, doctor.
Yesterday, I accidentally bumped into a rolling shutter door that was just about to rise while I was bending down.
At the moment of impact, I felt nauseous once and experienced a temporary loss of vision twice.
I already had some issues with a mild headache in the right shoulder and neck area before the incident, but after the bump, the pain intensified, and I have difficulty turning my head.
Washing my hair while bending over causes severe pain, and I also experience significant pain on the right side while sleeping, although it feels somewhat better after waking up.
What should I do next regarding this situation?

Niming, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/02

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, Miss: You mentioned that "I can't really turn my head, and washing my hair while bending over causes severe pain.
The right side also hurts a lot while sleeping, but it feels a bit better after waking up." Your symptoms may suggest inflammation of the cervical fascia.
External factors such as a head impact against a hard object or excessive force during cervical rotation can lead to cervical instability, dislocation, and cervical disc herniation.
Typical discomfort symptoms associated with cervical nerve root lesions include pain in the shoulder blade or arm, as well as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the palm and fingers.

As for cervical joint disorders, they may cause neck pain and stiffness, potentially leading to pain due to compression of nearby nerve roots, which can extend to the temples, shoulders, arms, and hands, causing discomfort.

Treatment can be divided into medication: When nerves are compressed, an inflammatory response occurs, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used for treatment, as they have both anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, reducing the inflammatory response and alleviating pain.

Physical therapy includes:
- Heat therapy: Primarily increases local blood circulation and improves muscle ischemia.
- Cervical traction: Commonly used for degenerative cervical arthritis, herniated discs (cervical bone spurs), with associated nerve root compression, and cervical injuries without fractures or joint instability, but with nerve compression.
Cervical traction can be utilized for rehabilitation, but X-ray examination is required beforehand to confirm joint stability.
- Cervical collar stabilization: Prevents cervical instability and avoids more severe nerve tissue damage, suitable for injuries such as sports injuries, car accidents, or falls that cause excessive flexion or extension of the cervical spine.
I recommend that you consult a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist to discuss examination and treatment options.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi from Taoyuan cares about you.

Reply Date: 2023/12/02

More Info

Experiencing a head injury, especially from an impact like hitting a rolling door, can lead to a variety of symptoms and potential complications. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that may indicate a concussion or other forms of head trauma. Here’s a breakdown of what you might be experiencing and the steps you should take next.

Symptoms and Concerns
1. Immediate Symptoms: You mentioned feeling nauseous and experiencing temporary vision disturbances (seeing white) immediately after the impact. These symptoms can be indicative of a concussion, which is a type of traumatic brain injury. Other common symptoms of a concussion include headache, confusion, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

2. Headache and Neck Pain: The increase in headache intensity and the inability to turn your head without pain suggest that there may be additional strain or injury to the neck muscles or even a potential whiplash injury. The neck is closely connected to head injuries, and pain in this area can often accompany head trauma.

3. Sleep Disturbances: Pain that affects your ability to sleep can also be a sign of a more serious injury. While it’s common to have discomfort after a head injury, persistent pain that disrupts sleep warrants further investigation.

Next Steps
1. Seek Medical Attention: Given your symptoms, it is crucial to follow up with a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or an emergency physician. They may recommend imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out any serious injuries like fractures or bleeding in the brain.

2. Rest and Monitor Symptoms: It’s essential to rest both physically and cognitively. Avoid activities that require intense concentration, such as reading, using screens, or engaging in strenuous physical activities. Monitor your symptoms closely; if they worsen or if you experience new symptoms such as vomiting, severe headache, confusion, or loss of consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.

3. Pain Management: For the headaches and neck pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help, but consult with your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

4. Follow-Up Care: After the initial evaluation, follow up with your healthcare provider as recommended. They may suggest physical therapy for neck pain or other rehabilitation strategies to help you recover fully.

5. Avoid Certain Activities: Until you have been cleared by a medical professional, avoid activities that could lead to another head injury, such as sports or any high-risk activities.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms following the head injury from the rolling door suggest that you may be dealing with a concussion and possibly neck strain. It is vital to seek medical evaluation to rule out serious complications and to receive appropriate care. Remember to rest, monitor your symptoms, and follow up with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan. Your health and safety should always be the priority following any head trauma.

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