Fainting and falling backward, resulting in a impact to the back of the head?
After sitting on the floor for a long time, I stood up and felt very dizzy.
Without realizing it, I leaned back and fell directly to the ground.
After that, I felt very dizzy, and my vision seemed blurry and unfocused.
I applied ice and rested while lying down, but I experienced a tingling sensation in my limbs and lips.
There was no vomiting.
It has been a few months since the incident, and I still occasionally feel dizzy.
I only went to a small clinic for a check-up, and the doctor said that since there was no vomiting, it wasn't a concussion.
I would like to know if the occasional dizziness I experience now could be a residual effect.
Should I go to a larger hospital for a CT scan?
Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/12
Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery
Occasional dizziness is indeed a residual effect.
If it has been several months and the dizziness is still mild, you can continue to monitor it without needing to go to a major hospital for examination.
Reply Date: 2016/02/12
More Info
Fainting and falling back can be concerning symptoms, especially when they are accompanied by dizziness, difficulty focusing, and numbness in the limbs and lips. These symptoms may indicate underlying neurological issues that warrant further investigation.
When you sit for an extended period and then stand up, you may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure, known as orthostatic hypotension. This can lead to dizziness and fainting. The body's autonomic nervous system usually compensates for this drop in blood pressure by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels. However, if this response is impaired, it can result in fainting spells.
The fact that you experienced a fall and subsequent symptoms such as dizziness and difficulty focusing raises the possibility of a more serious condition. While your doctor mentioned that the absence of vomiting rules out a concussion, it is important to note that not all head injuries result in vomiting. Symptoms like persistent dizziness, especially if they are recurrent, should not be ignored.
The numbness in your limbs and lips could indicate a neurological issue, such as a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or even a migraine aura, which can cause temporary neurological symptoms. TIAs are often referred to as "mini-strokes" and can present with sudden weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking. While these symptoms may resolve quickly, they are significant warning signs that require immediate medical attention.
Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for several months, it would be prudent to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a neurologist. A neurologist can perform a detailed assessment, which may include imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI, to rule out any structural abnormalities in the brain or other neurological conditions.
Additionally, it is essential to consider other factors that could contribute to your symptoms, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or even anxiety. Stress and anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like dizziness and numbness.
In summary, while your symptoms may not indicate a severe condition, the persistence and nature of your symptoms suggest that further evaluation is necessary. A visit to a larger hospital or a specialized clinic for a thorough neurological assessment is recommended. This will help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and guide appropriate treatment. Remember, it is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to neurological health.
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