? Head injury

Posted by Tiffini on June 09, 1999 at 08:02:17
Thank you very much in advance for your time as this forum is of such benefit to so many people!! I am not sure what's wrong and I apologize for seeming so long winded. In 1994 I lost a very close friend due to cerebral hemmorhage. I was there when she died and I had never seen someone pass away much less lose someone whom I was so close to. The next year I was in a car accident and had multiple injuries including a head injury. The report read small remote hemmorhage in the superficial white matter. I have had chronic headaches since. I mean every day. Sometimes they are really bad and scarey. I also have TMJ because my jaw was dislocated in the wreck as well. I have seen neurologists who don't think my headaches are a big deal. When they get real bad I get scared I will die like my friend did and leave my family my husband and 2 year old baby behind. I am chronically fatigued as well. Any chance my problems are related to my friend's death and the head injury as well and if so which type of doctor do I need to see? I know I need some help it's just a matter of who to see. Thanks so very much for your time.

Posted by HFHS M.D- HG on June 14, 1999 at 17:49:27

Dear Tiffini
Every year, an estimated 2 million incidents involve head trauma. Head trauma most commonly occurs in people of 15 to 25 years of age. It is 3 times more common in males as compared to females. Motor vehicle accidents account for more than half of all the incidents related to head trauma. Major head trauma can result in severe cerebral hemorrhage and can lead to death. Head  injuries can result in various symptoms  including   memory loss, disturbed sleep, headache, dizziness, irritability, lack of spontaneity, changes in personality etc.  You seem to be having chronic head aches which can be uncomfortable but are not life threatening. A second opinion from a neurologist may help determine if your headaches are due to the motor vehicle accident  or the TMJ disease. It also sounds as if you may be depressed. This can occur due to the loss of a friend or as a reaction to illness. It may be helpful to discuss a trial of  antidepressants with your primary care physician.  They may help your mood and possibly your head pain.
If you need to schedule an appointment at Henry Ford Hospital, you may call 248-689-7476. This information is provided for educational purposes only and should not replace the evaluation by a physician.
Key words: Head injury