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What Causes Headaches After Blunt Head Trauma?

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Posted on Fri, 6 Jan 2017
Question: Hit my head last week on overhead compartment in airplane. Did not lose consciousness. Still have pain in area wher I hit head.

Scheduled to have elective surgery in a couple of days for gallbladder removal Is it dangerous to be put under general anesthesia after minor head trauma? I don't know if I have a concussion or not. Probably no concussion. Still, I do not want to take any unnecessary risk. Should I discuss concerns with anesthesiologist on day of surgery and decide then on. Whether to proceed with surgery? Or just cancel now. Does it depend on whether I experienced a concussion or not, or even any minor head trauma would be contraindication for general anesthesia?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Minor head trauma is not a contraindication!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have reviewed your information and there is no risk getting surgery. remember persons with severe head trauma still benefit from surgery and as such minor trauma would not constitute huge risk to you. However, it is always a great idea telling your doctors all that has happened so that they can be aware and understand more as they take care of you. However, am not any concerned about this constitute a risk or enough reasons to cancel your surgery.

I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if you have any further concerns.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)
But what if it is a concussion? I have researched a little on internet and come across advice to avoid anesthesia if suffered concussion or at least get thorough neurological evaluation first
https://www.realself.com/question/florida-general-anesthesia-after-hitting-head-hard-weeks-prior-surgery
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/0000
https://www.healthtap.com/topics/anesthesia-after-concussion

Even if only small chance have a concussion, this has me worried that I could sufffer some kind of brown damage because of effect of anesthesia combined with possible concussion. I don't want to take any unnecessary additional risks. This is my first surgery ever. So would a concussion effect decision to have surgery? I ideally don't want to postpone, but if thisre is any chnce that I have concussion and any contraindication to proceed with elective surgery after having sufferd concussion, doesn't it ms,e sense to postpone? Better safe than sorry. Or am I totally overreacting?

I meant to write concerned about suffering brain damage due to combined effect of anesthesia and chance I have a concussion.

Is should also add I have been having some headaches. May or may not be related to having it head. I don't know. Could be concussion. Could be stress. If concussion-related, obviously has me ocncerned.

Also this link has me worried.

http://www.neurotalk.org/traumatic-brain-injury-and-post-concussion-syndrome/154969-effects-anesthetic-post-concussion.html
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
You are so unlikely to have any concussion!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You barely hit your head against the overhead compartment of an airplane. The force with which this can happen given the dimensions of planes is so little and leaves an almost very tiny chance to a possible concussion. I don’t see this a possibility and the symptom of headache alone is not very suggestive,

However, i understand it is better to be safe than sorry. I will recommend you get a neurological exam, which would be a way to further reassure you. I really don’t expect any call for a concussion from this.

In all, unlikely to be a concussion. A neurological exam wouldn’t hurt and you could get one for further assurance to avoid having a worried mindset.

Keep me posted on this.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (24 minutes later)
What would a neurological exam involve?
My surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. I don't think I can get a CT-scan by then. Only maybe a doctor examining me. Do you think a CT scan is needed before I undergo surgery?


So are you saying somebody with a suspected concussion should not be administered general anesthesia? I know you don the think I have a concussion, but in the small chance I do, should I ask to delay the surgery until I get a full neurological exam?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You do not need a CT scan!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Please, you have allowed this plane incident to bother you so much. Neurologic exam would be to evaluate your orientation, memory recall (immediate and delayed), coordination of movements, sensation, etc. You really need no CT-Scan.

If I may ask, what surgery are you going in for. You are really fine. Talking with you, most of these findings would be normal. Besides, there was no loss of consciousness.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (20 minutes later)
Laparoscopic surgery to remove gallbladder.
So you truly think being checked out by visually a doctor would be enough to rule out a concussion? I really do not want to take any chances with my first surgery.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Evaluation alone would be enough!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

A good evaluation by a doctor is enough. There are no red flags that call for aggressive and extensive workup to establish it.

I wish you well.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Chobufo Ditah (58 minutes later)
Thank you. So if doctor clears me after visual e am I should go ahead with surgery as manned.

Shouldn't be worried about concussion, possible brain bleed or brain damage from anesthetic?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 minute later)
Brief Answer:
That’s correct!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Should the doctor say all is fine after examination, there is no reason to have any further worries.

Let me know how two surgery goes. I wish you a safe surgery!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Causes Headaches After Blunt Head Trauma?

Brief Answer: Minor head trauma is not a contraindication! Detailed Answer: Hi, I have reviewed your information and there is no risk getting surgery. remember persons with severe head trauma still benefit from surgery and as such minor trauma would not constitute huge risk to you. However, it is always a great idea telling your doctors all that has happened so that they can be aware and understand more as they take care of you. However, am not any concerned about this constitute a risk or enough reasons to cancel your surgery. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if you have any further concerns.