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

What Causes Headache After A Head Injury?

Posted on Wed, 21 May 2014

Question: I hit my head just above the temple 49 hours ago. The pain was so great, just like hitting your knee really hard. I did not loose consciousness or anything else was different aside from the bad pain the side of my head and the headache originating from it. I iced it and took advil. The pain did not go away, so I went to the hospital. Told I may have a mild concussion. I have no other symptoms, no vomiting, dizziness, nothing.
The headache faded yesterday and is just about gone earlier today but is now coming back. I have just taken a tylenol for the pain.
The only thing is that I have tinnitus on the best of days but it seems worst yesterday and today, not sure if I am overly aware of it or not, being in the house quiet and worried. The other thing, is I find my movements on the left a bit awkward, I walk normally, but just really aware if that makes sense.
The side of my head, just above the temple is still very sore to touch and I still have pain when opening my jaw wide. (I know this to be normal, I am a dental hygienist) ... how long is that pain going to last?
the other question that worries me is, how long or what are the symptoms if -/when there is swelling in the brain from a hit to the temple?
I am anxious that there is swelling in the brain.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be brain swelling

Detailed Answer:
hi,

thanks for your question.

it does sound like you have a mild concussion as well of a soft tissue injury to the side of your head.

if the injury was on the left side of your head then it would certainly not be responsible for any left sided limb symptoms as the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body.

the soft tissue injury and local pain associated with this should improve over the next 2-3 weeks.

the concussive symptoms namely the headache will likely last for longer possibly even a few months although you will see a gradual improvement.

in the short term you should avoid over stimulating your brain. initially TV and computer work should be out of bounds. anything that makes your headache worse you should only attempt in small doses.

it's unlikely you have brain swelling/cerebral oedema as this would manifest as a decreasing level of consciousness, visual disturbance, increasing headache and vomiting.

I hope you find this information useful and that it answers your current question.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (22 hours later)

Thanks formyour answer. Reassuring. I feel better today, headache is gone (just a slight off and on headache) and the pain on temple is not as severe.
I like to workout, jog and lift weights. When is it safe for me to resume my normal routine.
Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Wait until you are symptom free

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am so pleased that you feel better.

Wait until you are completely symptom free and then start to reintroduce your normal activities slowly and see how they make you feel. If they make your headache return then you know to slow down or give it more time before attempting that activity again.

I hope you continue to feel better and get back into your normal routine soon.

Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Karl Logan (22 minutes later)

Thanks again for reply. I do feel much better today. Only thing I notice is headache creeps back slightly when on computer or reading if that makes sense. I'll be ok! Thank you for the help. :)

Answered by Dr. Karl Logan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Do tasks in short chunks of time

Detailed Answer:
it's my pleasure.

just take things slowly in short chunks if time to start with.

best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T