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Neurology (Expert Forum)

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head injury

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MedHelp Member's Question

head injury

by Cindy, Jan 15, 2000 12:00AM

Tags: head, headache, Neurology, Head Injury, concussion, daughter, neurological, neurologist, Thyroid Cancer

I fell on January 3 and hit my head on a hard surface. I went to the doctor and he said that I had a slight concussion. The next day the area around my eyes began to turn purple. I looked like a racoon. Of course there were headaches, dizziness, concentration problems, sleepiness, balance problems. While my eyes have cleared, I am still experiencing balance problems, headaches, and some concentration problems. The balance problems include veering to the left or right, dizziness when watching fast moving objects, and not being able to read for long periods of time (under 10 or 15 minutes without headache). Are these symptoms common with head injury and/or do I need to see my doctor again to see about further tests? Thank you.

Doctor's Answer

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Jan 15, 2000 12:00AM

Dear Cindy:

Yes, the symptoms that you describe can be associated with a concussion. Did you loose consciousness? or just alittle dazed? The CT was normal? Anyway, I would call and let your neurologist know that you have had these symptoms. These symptoms should slowly resolve.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

Member Comments (15)

by Cindy, Jan 16, 2000 12:00AM

Thanks for your quick response. I did not loose consciousness or if I did it was a very short length of time (less than a minute}. No CT was done but I did get a very thorough check up with my doctor. Do you think a CT might be something to talk to my doctor about? Thanks again Cindy

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Jan 16, 2000 12:00AM

Dear Cindy:

I would see a neurologist (if your physician is not a neurologist). It is not that we don't think other physicians can do a good neurological exam, but with persistent symptoms it is better to see someone who sees only neurological problems and therefore sensitive to mild abnormalities in the neurological exam. If your physician was a neurologist and you completely checked out normal, then no you don't need a CT or MRI unless your symptoms do not resolve.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

by Asteri, Feb 01, 2000 12:00AM

Cindy,

I fell and hit my head on concrete last year. I was diagnosed with mild concussion. Although I had no dizziness, I suffered major headaches for at least 4 months after the incident. My headaches lasted all day similar to wearing a steel cap. I avoided getting a CT as I was advised of the high possibility of getting thyroid cancer. I do recommend to see a neurologist or even an optomotrist as they can check pressure build up behind the eye.

My headaches have disappeared. I took no medication.

Hope this helps and good luck.

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Feb 04, 2000 12:00AM

thanks for your comments. One point, the amount of radiation from the CT scanner is less than an x-ray. It will not give your thyroid cancer.

CCF Neuro MD

by Cindy, Feb 05, 2000 12:00AM

Asteri, Thanks for your comments. I had the CT scan and everything was normal. Things seem to be getting better although I still have some headaches and dizziness at times.

Thanks again.

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Feb 05, 2000 12:00AM

Dear Cindy:

I am glad that your symptoms are better.

CCF Neuro MD

by Nick, Feb 05, 2000 12:00AM

7 days ago my 3 year old fell on to a pint glass and lacerated her nose ,the doctors say she will need surgery what kind of surgery would you recormend

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Feb 06, 2000 12:00AM

Dear Nick:

Sorry to hear about your daughter, but without seeing the injury I can't make any comments.

Sorry,

CCF Neuro MD

by Bigdog3@netins.net, Feb 21, 2000 12:00AM

My husband suffered a concussion about a year ago. He lost his smell and taste with his accident. he has had severe problems with his sinusus ever since. Now he is having pain and presure behind his left eye and the blood veins are bright red to the back of the eye. Is this something he should be seen for?

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Feb 23, 2000 12:00AM

Dear Big dog:

I think I would see a neurologist and have your husband checked out. There are alot of things that could give you the picture you described.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

by stephanie, Mar 02, 2000 12:00AM

My daughter fell last year and hit her head, but it was not until a year after that she started having seizures in her sleep. She had a CT and found she had a mild infarction and is taking some medication called Carbatrol. My concern is her doctors has her taking this for a full year. What types of side affects should she experience if any. Is too long to be taking this type of medication. The reason I ask is because the first dosage he prescribed was too strong. She told me she was experiencing some mood swings with it. Her doctor lessed it but she is still getting some side effects. Should she be switched to something else.

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Mar 05, 2000 12:00AM

Dear Stephanie:

Sorry to hear about your daughter. What caused the infarction? I would thing that the etiology of this should also be addressed. The use of carbatrol is okay to prevent seizures. Many times the side effects occur because the physician has to raise the level too fast due to seizure activity. For the most part, once a patient gets use to the medication these go away. If the side effects are too much for your daughter then another choice is always possible. I just wonder, what part the former infarct has to do with her symptoms.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

by Cindy, Mar 05, 2000 12:00AM

Hello again. I'm still having spot type headaches (kind of a zinger effect) in different areas of my head. There is also still a little knot where I originally hit my head and there is still dizziness and balance problems. The CT scan was normal and my family doctor has checked me out several times. Are these symptoms just going to take a while to disappear or should I be more concerned about these lingering symptoms? Thanks

by CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS, Mar 07, 2000 12:00AM

Dear Cindy:

I would let your neurologist know about your continuing problems. It may be that some more testing might be warranted, but a good neurological exam should be done first.

CCF Neuro MD

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