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Suggest Treatment For Persistent Headache After Head Injury
Question: I am a 20 year old female. Four weeks ago before winter break, I tripped over the curb and slammed my head really hard on the lamppost, falling to the ground. Since then I've had a persistent dull headache that has been worse these past few days probably associated with coming back to college (including the long car ride) and less sleep, adjusting to classes, different diet, etc. Anyway, I'm just wondering how I can know if this is a concussion as I have read that sometimes a concussion doesn't develop until a few weeks, or 1-2 months after the injury, or if it's just a standard "stress headache" or something. I am prone to getting headaches that I usually just ignore, and I also sometimes get them over break when I'm at home due to sleeping in too much...But I haven't had this bad of a headache in a while. I don't have any other medical issues, except I'm quite a bit underweight and felt that I got really tired over this long winter break at home if I just walked a tiny bit. I don't have any other possible indications of a concussion, though. Thank you!
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Unfortunately there are no laboratory or imaging test to diagnose a concussion, particularly this late, imaging would serve only to exclude more serious complications like hemorrhage (do not think it to be necessary though).
Judging from description a mild case of concussion is possible. Concussion may manifest with some persistent headache, difficulty concentrating, fatigue etc, which is why usually rest, not only physical but only physical is advised afterwards, with gradual resuming of activities. So it is possible that the coming back to college with the lifestyle changes you mention to have contributed to worsening of the symptoms. Anxiety issues do not help either as concussion symptoms are thought to have a partial psychological component as well. In addition anxiety on its own makes one prone to tension type headaches so it makes it difficult to separate one from the other.
From a management point of view though it doesn't change much whether due to concussion, previous anxiety or a combination of both. Over the counter painkillers like Advil are advised for the headache, adopting a regular lifestyle at least for a few months with regular sleeping schedule, eating healthy and trying to avoid exhaustion is what is advised. I wouldn't add anything else for the moment.
I remain at your disposal for other question.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Unfortunately there are no laboratory or imaging test to diagnose a concussion, particularly this late, imaging would serve only to exclude more serious complications like hemorrhage (do not think it to be necessary though).
Judging from description a mild case of concussion is possible. Concussion may manifest with some persistent headache, difficulty concentrating, fatigue etc, which is why usually rest, not only physical but only physical is advised afterwards, with gradual resuming of activities. So it is possible that the coming back to college with the lifestyle changes you mention to have contributed to worsening of the symptoms. Anxiety issues do not help either as concussion symptoms are thought to have a partial psychological component as well. In addition anxiety on its own makes one prone to tension type headaches so it makes it difficult to separate one from the other.
From a management point of view though it doesn't change much whether due to concussion, previous anxiety or a combination of both. Over the counter painkillers like Advil are advised for the headache, adopting a regular lifestyle at least for a few months with regular sleeping schedule, eating healthy and trying to avoid exhaustion is what is advised. I wouldn't add anything else for the moment.
I remain at your disposal for other question.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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