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

question-icon

Experiencing Dizziness And Headache Few Weeks After Head Injury. Any Complication?

default
Posted on Mon, 22 Apr 2013
Question: My adult daughter hit her head on the steering wheel of her vehicle in an auto accident three weeks ago. She was transported to hospital and released. No MRIs or Xrays. Now she is experiencing dizziness and headache in the area of the bump. Should she be immediately concerned or is this normal?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (35 minutes later)
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Since three weeks have passed since her injury, the worst is over.

2. Dizziness and headache are common in severe concussions. Dizziness due to brain concussion is a feeling of imbalance, while dizziness due to ear and lower brain injury or concussion is rotatory spinning (true vertigo). Headaches may last for weeks or months. Was this injury in spite of wearing a seat belt? Were the air bags deployed?

3. Hitting the forehead on to s steering wheel sometimes also causes what is known as a coup injury or concussion to the brain on the front and a contre-coup injury at the back of the head. This happens because the brain floats within the skull in a fluid known as CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF) and hence has an inertia in relation to the bony skull.

4. It will be better to get a Neurolgist's opinion who can examine her directly and advise medication for the headaches and dizziness. If her symptoms persist or become worse, the Neurologist may also get an MRI/CT Scan done.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (17 hours later)
Thank you for your reply. Yes, she was wearing a seatbelt but the airbag did not deploy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 hours later)
hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. The seat belt must have reduced some part of the impact, hence there is less cause for worry.

2. There is no harm in getting a Neurologist's opinion. Medication for dizziness and headache can be started.

Wishing her a speedy recovery,

Regards.
Note: Get 1 to 1 help with your critical health concerns.Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2685 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
Experiencing Dizziness And Headache Few Weeks After Head Injury. Any Complication?

Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. Since three weeks have passed since her injury, the worst is over.

2. Dizziness and headache are common in severe concussions. Dizziness due to brain concussion is a feeling of imbalance, while dizziness due to ear and lower brain injury or concussion is rotatory spinning (true vertigo). Headaches may last for weeks or months. Was this injury in spite of wearing a seat belt? Were the air bags deployed?

3. Hitting the forehead on to s steering wheel sometimes also causes what is known as a coup injury or concussion to the brain on the front and a contre-coup injury at the back of the head. This happens because the brain floats within the skull in a fluid known as CerebroSpinal Fluid (CSF) and hence has an inertia in relation to the bony skull.

4. It will be better to get a Neurolgist's opinion who can examine her directly and advise medication for the headaches and dizziness. If her symptoms persist or become worse, the Neurologist may also get an MRI/CT Scan done.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.