Head Trauma Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Q: Head Trauma Symptoms: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello： I believe your symptoms may indicate a cold. Here are six important points that patients with head injuries should pay special attention to： 1. Severe dizziness and headache. 2. Persistent vomiting (three or more times within one hour). 3. Difficult

Head trauma?

On Monday, I was punched in the back of the head by a classmate.
At the moment, I didn't feel anything, but later I gradually started to feel pain.
Over the next few days, I haven't been feeling well.
In the morning, I wake up with body aches, especially in my neck and shoulders.
I also experience dry heaving, where I can't vomit anything.
My appetite has decreased; I feel hungry but don't want to eat.
I'm having trouble sleeping and often wake up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortable, taking a long time to fall back asleep.
Sometimes, I experience shortness of breath, along with some nasal congestion, making it difficult to breathe.
I also have mild tremors throughout my body and feel weak.
By Friday night, I couldn't stand it anymore and vomited for the first time, but lying down makes me feel worse, and I even vomited bile.
The other symptoms remain the same, but they haven't improved.
However, the situation seems to get better in the afternoon, only to worsen again at night.
I'm unsure if this is caused by a cold or the impact from the punch.
Is it serious? How should I monitor my condition? I really don't know whether to see a doctor for a cold, a gastroenterologist, or a neurosurgeon.
Please respond quickly.
Thank you!

Yurong, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/19

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery

Hello: I believe your symptoms may indicate a cold.
Here are six important points that patients with head injuries should pay special attention to: 1.
Severe dizziness and headache.
2.
Persistent vomiting (three or more times within one hour).
3.
Difficulty breathing.
4.
Gradual deterioration of consciousness, such as drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, or abnormal behavior.
5.
Unequal pupil size or visual disturbances.
6.
Seizures in the limbs or around the mouth.
Therefore, you should drink plenty of water and rest.
Additionally, whether there was loss of consciousness at the time of the head injury is very important; if there was no loss of consciousness, the likelihood of intracranial hemorrhage is relatively reduced.
Sincerely, Dr.
Ding Hsien-Wei, Neurosurgery.

Reply Date: 2005/03/19

More Info

When it comes to head trauma, it is crucial to understand the symptoms and when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a significant impact to the back of your head, which has led to a variety of concerning symptoms over the following days. These symptoms include persistent pain, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and even episodes of vomiting, which can be alarming.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that head injuries can lead to a range of complications, including concussions and intracranial bleeding. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur even if there is no loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a concussion can include headaches, dizziness, nausea, and cognitive difficulties. In your case, the combination of headaches, nausea, and vomiting could suggest a concussion, especially since these symptoms have persisted and worsened over time.

The fact that you are experiencing full-body aches, difficulty sleeping, and respiratory issues adds another layer of complexity to your situation. While some of these symptoms could be related to the head trauma, they could also indicate other underlying issues, such as a viral infection or stress response to the trauma. The presence of nausea and vomiting, particularly if you are vomiting bile, is concerning and warrants immediate medical evaluation.

Given the severity and persistence of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should consider visiting an emergency room or urgent care facility where they can perform a thorough evaluation, including neurological assessments and possibly imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI to rule out any serious complications such as bleeding or swelling in the brain.

In terms of what to expect during your medical visit, the healthcare provider will likely ask about the details of the injury, your symptoms, and any other relevant medical history. They may perform a physical examination, focusing on your neurological status, and may order tests to assess your brain function and rule out other conditions.

In the meantime, it is essential to take care of yourself. Rest is crucial after a head injury, and you should avoid any activities that could put you at risk for another injury. Stay hydrated, and if you are able to eat, try to consume light, easily digestible foods. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate some discomfort, but be cautious with medications, especially if you are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.

In summary, your symptoms following the head trauma are concerning and warrant prompt medical evaluation. Do not hesitate to seek help, as early intervention can be critical in preventing potential complications. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries.

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