HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Persisting Headaches After A Head Injury?

default
Posted on Mon, 30 Jun 2014
Question: Hello. I hit my head very hard on the roof rack of my car on Thursday, but I just kept going as if nothing happened the rest of the day. On Friday and Saturday I was very tired but I complete forgot about hitting my head. On Sunday I woke up with a headache, I took an ibuprofen and it went away. This happened three times that day. Monday was the same thing again but I didn't take anything anymore. Someone reminded me yesterday about the bump in my head and I have been putting ice packs on the area where I got hit. I woke up better today but now the headache is back, is there anything I can do about this, or should I just wait it out.
Thank you

XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Karen Steinberg (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It depends on the presence of other symptoms

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX

Head injuries may be mild and cause headaches and pain for a few days. The ice packs helping suggest you may have a bruise or swelling that can last awhile. In that case, you can continue them and the ibuprofen. If you were my patient, I would want to see you right away if you have any of the following:

Nausea, especially with severe vomiting
Difficulty talking or swallowing
Unequal sizes of the pupils in your eyes
Confusion or difficulty thinking
Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Vertigo or severe dizziness
Difficulty walking
Balance problems
Any unusual symptoms that concern you

More serious head injuries may progress slowly and create these problems over a few days. So get seen if anything like this is happening. A doctor can check your brain and nerve functions and order a CT scan if he or she sees any indication that something more serious is happening.

Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Note: Get 1 to 1 help with your critical health concerns.Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Karen Steinberg

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1981

Answered : 824 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Persisting Headaches After A Head Injury?

Brief Answer: It depends on the presence of other symptoms Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX Head injuries may be mild and cause headaches and pain for a few days. The ice packs helping suggest you may have a bruise or swelling that can last awhile. In that case, you can continue them and the ibuprofen. If you were my patient, I would want to see you right away if you have any of the following: Nausea, especially with severe vomiting Difficulty talking or swallowing Unequal sizes of the pupils in your eyes Confusion or difficulty thinking Weakness or numbness on one side of the body Vertigo or severe dizziness Difficulty walking Balance problems Any unusual symptoms that concern you More serious head injuries may progress slowly and create these problems over a few days. So get seen if anything like this is happening. A doctor can check your brain and nerve functions and order a CT scan if he or she sees any indication that something more serious is happening. Hope this answers your query. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.