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Suggest Treatment For Loss Of Consciousness Along With Head Trauma

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Posted on Thu, 4 Dec 2014
Question: Hello,

I am trying to remain anonymous because this is soooo embarrassing, but I was at a concert this past weekend and I slipped and fell; I was in the bathroom at the time. When my friends finally found me, they thought I had 'passed out' drunk. It was true that I was pretty tipsy, but I remember going into the bathroom and falling when I was reaching for a paper towel after washing my hands. Then I woke up at home. I have no memory of leaving the concert or being driven home. The side of my head is still very tender and it hurts my temple to chew (on one side). The problem is... all of the symptoms for a concussion are basically the same as being drunk. So I'm in a conundrum, and also completely humiliated. Should I go to urgent care and tell a doctor about this (please no, I just want to forget) or just wait for it to go away?

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Head trauma with loss of consciousness is serious

Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concern.

It seems clear that you experienced a head trauma. The tenderness is a consequence, while the pain in the temple is caused because chewing stretches the temporal muscles which I presume are injured. Till here there is no problem.

The case gets serious because after the trauma you had some important amnesia, and probably loss of consciousness. Now, LOC should be evaluated carefully. May be there was just the alcohol effect. But if LOC was by any chance caused by the trauma, it is a clear indication for a CT to rule out any problem, which in trauma is a serious problem.

I recommend a CT as soon as possible.

Hope this answers your questions, please feel free for further questions.

Wishing you good health


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Geldon Fejzo (2 hours later)
Thank you for your response. I will seek treatment as soon as possible. What kind of treatment can I expect if there is an injury?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Geldon Fejzo (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Mostly epidural hematoma

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

The injuries after trauma is epidural hematoma, which is progressive blood collection between the skull and dura and temporal contusion. These should be considered after a trauma with LOC. Especially epidural hematoma represents an emergency. There is a major risk in the first 72 hours even in absence of neurologic symptoms.

So you should have a CT scan asap.

Wishing you good health
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Geldon Fejzo

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 337 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Loss Of Consciousness Along With Head Trauma

Brief Answer: Head trauma with loss of consciousness is serious Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your question and understand your concern. It seems clear that you experienced a head trauma. The tenderness is a consequence, while the pain in the temple is caused because chewing stretches the temporal muscles which I presume are injured. Till here there is no problem. The case gets serious because after the trauma you had some important amnesia, and probably loss of consciousness. Now, LOC should be evaluated carefully. May be there was just the alcohol effect. But if LOC was by any chance caused by the trauma, it is a clear indication for a CT to rule out any problem, which in trauma is a serious problem. I recommend a CT as soon as possible. Hope this answers your questions, please feel free for further questions. Wishing you good health