Dizziness and Blurred Vision After Head Injury - Otolaryngology

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Dizziness and inability to focus the eyes?


About two days ago, I went to the beach with a friend and didn't notice the slippery rocks, which caused me to fall and hit the back of my head.
I experienced severe headaches at the moment, but it subsided after a while.
The next morning, I woke up and found that I could barely walk steadily; everything was spinning in front of me, and I kept feeling nauseous, but since I hadn't eaten breakfast, I couldn't vomit anything.
Later, I went to the emergency department at Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
The doctor asked me some simple questions and had me follow her finger with my eyes and try to touch her moving finger, among other tests.
After the doctor administered medication for dizziness, my symptoms improved, but she didn't perform any imaging or neurological examinations.
By the next afternoon, I started experiencing mild vertigo again.
Could this be a concussion or intracranial hemorrhage due to the head impact? (I have had a few instances in the past of feeling dizzy upon waking, but it usually improved after a good night's sleep.)

Fan Jiang, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/25

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology


Hello: After a head injury, mild dizziness is common; however, if there is persistent severe headache, nausea and vomiting, or altered consciousness, it is important to seek medical attention again to check for possible intracranial bleeding.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2015/07/25

More Info


Experiencing dizziness and blurred vision after a head injury can be concerning, and it's important to understand the potential implications of such symptoms. Based on your description, it seems you sustained a significant impact to the back of your head, which initially caused severe headache but then subsided. However, the subsequent onset of dizziness, difficulty walking, and nausea raises the possibility of a concussion or other serious conditions.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that occurs when the brain is jolted or shaken inside the skull, often due to a blow to the head. Symptoms can vary widely and may include headache, dizziness, confusion, balance problems, nausea, and visual disturbances. The fact that you experienced severe headache immediately after the fall and then developed dizziness and nausea the next day suggests that you may indeed be experiencing a concussion.

In addition to concussion, there is also a risk of intracranial hemorrhage, which can occur when blood vessels in the brain are damaged due to trauma. This can lead to bleeding in the brain, which may present with symptoms such as persistent headache, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. The fact that you experienced a temporary improvement after receiving medication for nausea does not rule out the possibility of a more serious underlying condition.

Given your symptoms and the mechanism of injury, it is crucial to seek further medical evaluation. While the initial examination by the emergency physician included some basic neurological assessments, it is important to have imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any structural damage or bleeding in the brain. These imaging studies can provide valuable information about the condition of your brain and help guide further treatment.

In the meantime, it is advisable to rest and avoid any activities that could put you at risk for another head injury, such as sports or vigorous physical activity. If your symptoms worsen or if you experience new symptoms such as severe headache, confusion, weakness, or seizures, you should seek immediate medical attention.

As for your previous episodes of dizziness upon waking, it is possible that these could be related to other underlying conditions, such as vestibular disorders or issues with blood pressure regulation. However, given your recent head injury, it is essential to focus on the current symptoms and their potential relationship to the trauma.

In summary, the symptoms you are experiencing after your fall could indicate a concussion or even more serious conditions like intracranial hemorrhage. It is crucial to seek further medical evaluation, including imaging studies, to ensure your safety and well-being. Until you receive a thorough assessment, prioritize rest and avoid activities that could exacerbate your symptoms.

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