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What Causes Dizziness Five Weeks After Concussion?
Question: Hi! 5 weeks ago I was in an accident and suffered a concussion with a fractured skull. This afternoon I got into bed for a nap (I was already laying down) and flopped my head onto the pillow and realized maybe I put my head down too hard or too fast. I felt a bit dizzy. Is this possible or have I maybe irritated my previous injury. I was immediately concerned. Thank you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Cause of current episode of dizziness
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. While putting your head on pillow, sudden movement can cause dizziness. It is mostly due to movement in fluid of vestibular system present one ear. This vestibular system is required to maintain balance and it works with a thick fluid present in both ears. Now sudden head turning can cause movement in this fluid and feeling of dizziness.
Another possibility as you pointed out, the concussion injury. It is less likely as concussion is a mild type of head injury and usually settles in 4 weeks.
If you are still feeling dizziness, you can take tablet Betahistine after prescription. You can lie down and take rest. It will relieve this episode.
Hope it will help you. If still in doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care
Cause of current episode of dizziness
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX thanks for asking from HCM.
I can understand your concern. While putting your head on pillow, sudden movement can cause dizziness. It is mostly due to movement in fluid of vestibular system present one ear. This vestibular system is required to maintain balance and it works with a thick fluid present in both ears. Now sudden head turning can cause movement in this fluid and feeling of dizziness.
Another possibility as you pointed out, the concussion injury. It is less likely as concussion is a mild type of head injury and usually settles in 4 weeks.
If you are still feeling dizziness, you can take tablet Betahistine after prescription. You can lie down and take rest. It will relieve this episode.
Hope it will help you. If still in doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Hello, I really just wanted to make sure that I did not irritate or perhaps reinjure the concussion by putting my head down too quickly or mainly too hard on the pillow (I was on my shoulder and then went down from there) I know this may sound like a silly question, but when I felt dizzy I was very concerned about rattling my brain or reinjuring my existing concussion if this is at all possible. I was just very concerned and needed reassurance that I have not caused any further damage since I had felt dizzy. Could you please get back to me. I just want to make sure that I should not be concerned of any damage. Thank you. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Repeated injury to brain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX welcome back.
It is good that you are concerned about your brain. Vigorous shaking or hitting of head can cause second concussion. SO you must remain careful.
This current episode was most probably due to vestibular system. To avoid any kind of damage or re-concussion, you must avoid
- Vigorous activity sports.
- Fast driving and sudden acceleration-deacceleration.
- Repeated direct head injury
No need to avoid routine activities and your work. And please don't worry, you have almost recovered from your injury.
If you have any doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care.
Repeated injury to brain
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX welcome back.
It is good that you are concerned about your brain. Vigorous shaking or hitting of head can cause second concussion. SO you must remain careful.
This current episode was most probably due to vestibular system. To avoid any kind of damage or re-concussion, you must avoid
- Vigorous activity sports.
- Fast driving and sudden acceleration-deacceleration.
- Repeated direct head injury
No need to avoid routine activities and your work. And please don't worry, you have almost recovered from your injury.
If you have any doubt, do let me know.
Thanks. Take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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