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What Are The Signs To Look For Possible Concussion From Fall?
Question: I fell last night, hit head hard on stone floor around midnight ; no bleeding , no swelling at impact site (upper back of head). Put ice on and took Advil . I am 68 yrs old. Body never recovered fm 2004 surgery for toxic mega-colon. Site is in state of continuous inflammation and blood loss. Pain treated with Fentanyl patch.. Question : What signs should I look for possible concusson (or other effects) fm fall? Advice re
hospital ER visit.(want to avoid if possible)
partially disabled
my body wasunable to recover from surgery for toxic mega-colonot see my primary care
hospital ER visit.(want to avoid if possible)
partially disabled
my body wasunable to recover from surgery for toxic mega-colonot see my primary care
Brief Answer:
No reason for ER for now
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I don't think you have to go to the ER for now. Symptoms and signs to be looked for are:
Headache increasing progressively
Weakness of the limbs or speech abnormalities
Double vision or other visual problems
Abnormal behavior and confusion noted by others, somnolence
Seizures
The highest risk period are the first 24 hours, after that you should be alright (although in the elderly extra attention is needed later as well).
Try to go easy on percocet as it might cause somnolence and make evaluation difficult, simple over the counter acetaminophen is safer.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
No reason for ER for now
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
I don't think you have to go to the ER for now. Symptoms and signs to be looked for are:
Headache increasing progressively
Weakness of the limbs or speech abnormalities
Double vision or other visual problems
Abnormal behavior and confusion noted by others, somnolence
Seizures
The highest risk period are the first 24 hours, after that you should be alright (although in the elderly extra attention is needed later as well).
Try to go easy on percocet as it might cause somnolence and make evaluation difficult, simple over the counter acetaminophen is safer.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
My balance has improved since falling Sat. night but bad headache remains.
Should I go to the ER for a CT scan before attempting driving or other
normal activity?
Should I go to the ER for a CT scan before attempting driving or other
normal activity?
Brief Answer:
Yes, you should.
Detailed Answer:
If you do not have a history of chronic headache and the headache is intense and not on a decreasing curbe, than I think you do need an evaluation with CT.
If you have none of the other symptoms I mentioned I still think most probably it will come out fine. However since it's been almost 6 days and in the elderly there is a greater risk of complications, I wouldn't want you taking any chances.
I am positive things will work out for the best.
Yes, you should.
Detailed Answer:
If you do not have a history of chronic headache and the headache is intense and not on a decreasing curbe, than I think you do need an evaluation with CT.
If you have none of the other symptoms I mentioned I still think most probably it will come out fine. However since it's been almost 6 days and in the elderly there is a greater risk of complications, I wouldn't want you taking any chances.
I am positive things will work out for the best.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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