Ongoing Brain Bleeding After a Car Accident: A Patient's Journey

Continuous minor bleeding in the brain due to a car accident?

Dr.
Ding: Hello, my mother is 56 years old.
She was involved in a car accident on October 5th and was discharged from the emergency room with a diagnosis of concussion.
On October 8th, she complained of severe headaches, so we took her to see a neurosurgeon.
A CT scan revealed ongoing bleeding in her brain.
She has difficulty expressing herself, has become less talkative, walks slowly, and seems a bit dazed.
However, my mother refused to be hospitalized, so the doctor prescribed some hemostatic and pain relief medications for her to rest at home.

During a follow-up visit on October 12th, the doctor only assessed her speech and advised her to continue resting at home without conducting any further examinations.
On the evening of October 12th, my mother was conscious but unable to move her body; her limbs were unresponsive and she remained still for nearly half an hour.
At times, she forgets what she was doing, and her limbs are unresponsive.
On the morning of October 13th, she again complained of a headache.

I would like to ask the doctor if my mother's current condition is a sequel of the accident or if there are any specific concerns we should be aware of.
Additionally, if we need to visit the hospital again, I would appreciate the doctor's assistance, as I am worried about my mother's health.

P.S.
The doctors on October 8th and 12th were different.
My mother has a history of cardiomegaly, heart disease, asthma, hypertension, diabetes, and gout.

Daniel_jml, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/13

Dr. Ding Xianwei reply Neurosurgery

Due to incomplete information and the lack of direct examination, the following advice is based solely on experience.
The term "persistent bleeding" is difficult to understand; if there were truly persistent bleeding, it would indicate that coagulation function is severely impaired, which would likely result in loss of life.
Since your mother is still conscious, it is unclear what the actual issue is.
Additionally, weakness in one limb may suggest a lesion in the contralateral hemisphere of the brain.
However, without direct examination or additional imaging studies for reference, it is only possible to speculate about the underlying problem, and a definitive diagnosis cannot be made.
I recommend that you gather all relevant information and seek a second opinion.

Reply Date: 2015/10/13

More Info

I'm sorry to hear about your mother's condition following her car accident. It sounds like a very challenging situation, and it's understandable that you have concerns regarding her health and recovery.
From the details you've provided, it appears that your mother has experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in ongoing intracranial bleeding, which is a serious condition. Initially, she was diagnosed with a concussion and sent home, but her subsequent symptoms indicate that there may be more significant issues at play. The persistent headaches, changes in speech, and motor function difficulties you describe are concerning and warrant immediate medical attention.

In cases of TBI, especially when there is evidence of ongoing bleeding, it is crucial to monitor the patient closely. Symptoms such as severe headaches, confusion, difficulty speaking, and changes in motor function can indicate increased intracranial pressure or further bleeding, which may require surgical intervention. The fact that your mother is experiencing these symptoms, particularly the inability to move her limbs and episodes of confusion, suggests that her condition may be deteriorating.

Given her medical history, including heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, her recovery may be more complicated. These conditions can affect her overall health and ability to recover from a brain injury. It is essential to communicate all of her symptoms clearly to her healthcare providers, especially since she has seen different doctors. Consistency in her care is vital, and if her current physician is not taking her symptoms seriously, seeking a second opinion or returning to the emergency department may be necessary.

You mentioned that she was prescribed medications for pain and bleeding but was not admitted to the hospital. If she is experiencing significant changes in her condition, such as loss of motor function or severe headaches, it is critical to advocate for her and insist on further evaluation, including repeat imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI, to assess the status of the bleeding and any potential complications.

In terms of aftercare, if she is unable to care for herself or manage daily activities, it may be necessary to arrange for additional support at home. This could include hiring a caregiver or seeking assistance from family members. It is also important to monitor her mental status and physical abilities closely, as any changes should be reported to her healthcare provider immediately.

In summary, your mother's ongoing symptoms following her car accident are concerning and require urgent medical evaluation. Do not hesitate to seek immediate care if her condition worsens or if you feel her current treatment plan is inadequate. The health and safety of your mother should always come first, and being proactive in her care is essential. Please take care and ensure she receives the attention she needs.

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