Should You See a Doctor After a Head Injury from a Fall?

Fell and hit the head?

Hello Doctor: Yesterday, I lost my balance and fell backward on the 3rd to 4th step of the stairs, hitting the left side of my head against the wall.
Today, there is a noticeable swelling, but I have no other discomfort.
Do I need to go to the hospital for a diagnosis? If so, which department should I see?

LILI, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/09/30

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello, based on your description, if you experience the following after a head injury: - Vomiting two times or more - Drug or alcohol overdose - Persistent severe diffuse headache - Post-traumatic amnesia lasting more than 30 minutes - Dangerous mechanisms of injury (falling from a height greater than 1 meter or more than 5 stairs) - Coagulation abnormalities, further evaluation with a CT scan may be necessary.
Additionally, headaches are common after head injuries; please refrain from taking any other medications aside from those prescribed by your doctor, especially headache, anesthetic, or sedative medications, and avoid consuming alcoholic beverages.
If your headache does not gradually improve or worsens, please seek medical attention immediately.
It is advisable to consult a neurosurgeon for further evaluation and treatment.
Wishing you good health, safety, and happiness.
Dr.
Tao, Neurology Department, cares about you.

Reply Date: 2015/09/30

More Info

After experiencing a head injury, especially from a fall, it is crucial to assess the situation carefully. In your case, you mentioned that you fell backward and hit your head against a wall, resulting in a noticeable bump on the left side of your head. While you currently do not have any other symptoms, such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion, it is still advisable to seek medical attention.

Head injuries can be deceptive. Even if you feel fine immediately after the incident, some symptoms may develop later, such as headaches, dizziness, or cognitive changes. This is particularly important to consider because certain complications, like intracranial bleeding or concussions, may not present symptoms right away. The general recommendation is to monitor for symptoms for at least 24 hours after the injury, but if you notice any changes in your condition, it is essential to seek medical help sooner.

Given your situation, here are some reasons why you should consider seeing a doctor:
1. Assessment of the Injury: A healthcare professional can conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of your injury. This may include a physical examination and possibly imaging studies, such as a CT scan, to rule out any serious issues like fractures or bleeding.

2. Monitoring for Symptoms: Even if you feel fine now, it’s important to be aware of potential delayed symptoms. If you experience any new symptoms such as persistent headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, nausea, or vomiting, these could indicate a more serious issue that requires immediate attention.

3. Peace of Mind: Consulting with a doctor can provide reassurance. Knowing that you have been evaluated by a professional can alleviate anxiety about potential complications.

4. Documentation: If there are any future complications or if you need to file an insurance claim related to the injury, having a medical record of your visit can be beneficial.

In terms of which specialist to see, you should consider visiting a neurologist or an emergency medicine physician. They are well-equipped to handle head injuries and can provide the necessary care and follow-up.

In summary, while you may not currently have any alarming symptoms, it is prudent to err on the side of caution after a head injury. A medical evaluation can help ensure that you are safe and that any potential issues are addressed early. Remember, head injuries can have serious consequences, and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

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