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What Causes Lethargy, Fatigue And Obsessional Thoughts After A Mild Injury?
Question: About 3 weeks ago I was the victim of a light assault and battery. I was punched in the cheek and in the eye. My physical injuries weren't very significant. Although about a week afterwards I suffered jaw and ear pain and I still do to this day. I also suffer frequent mild headaches. The police are fully aware. My lasting physical injuries such as bruising have since healed.
My problem is I cannot forget about being attacked and its all that's on my mind. Psychological I'm in a terrible state. My headaches worried me that I might have mild TBI, although I suffered none of the symptoms that I have found would indicate such. And my headaches could be from my jaw pain and its interconnected.
Psychologically I'm suffering. I am lethargic, fatigued, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, have significant loss of libido (I usually have a high libido), and just the feeling I'm not the person I was before the incident. Could my brain be affected in its function, relating mostly to loss of libido and not feeling myself?
Recently I have also felt very depressed and feel my future life is in trouble because of this even though I'm operating and functioning as would appear normally. My family and friends don't see any difference but for me I find this playing on my mind and it won't go away.
My problem is I cannot forget about being attacked and its all that's on my mind. Psychological I'm in a terrible state. My headaches worried me that I might have mild TBI, although I suffered none of the symptoms that I have found would indicate such. And my headaches could be from my jaw pain and its interconnected.
Psychologically I'm suffering. I am lethargic, fatigued, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, have significant loss of libido (I usually have a high libido), and just the feeling I'm not the person I was before the incident. Could my brain be affected in its function, relating mostly to loss of libido and not feeling myself?
Recently I have also felt very depressed and feel my future life is in trouble because of this even though I'm operating and functioning as would appear normally. My family and friends don't see any difference but for me I find this playing on my mind and it won't go away.
Brief Answer:
PTSD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Post traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) is a well recognized condition even after minor traumatic events, so, this is the most likely diagnosis in your case.
I don't think there is any brain damage physically speaking, but function (psychological) may be affected.
It is necessary to be reassured that there is not any significant damage and is also necessary to discuss with a Psychologist about your issues.
Sertraline is an antidepressant drug that may be used in such cases.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
PTSD.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Post traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) is a well recognized condition even after minor traumatic events, so, this is the most likely diagnosis in your case.
I don't think there is any brain damage physically speaking, but function (psychological) may be affected.
It is necessary to be reassured that there is not any significant damage and is also necessary to discuss with a Psychologist about your issues.
Sertraline is an antidepressant drug that may be used in such cases.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Hello,
Thank you for answering I find HCM very helpful.
I never considered PTSD, but I understand it as being likely. I have flashbacks.
I did go to a GP before coming here, but only for examination of my jaw and ear as I had pain there. There were no headaches at the time of seeing someone. And at the moment I keep getting infrequent headaches and they seem to be worsening.
I'm considering going to see my local GP again about the headaches, and can they refer me to a psychologist?
I would like to know is it possible and applicable for me to be referred or self-refer myself to have an MRI/CT scan, if the headaches persist and get worse?
I think a scan is overboard thinking. Are there other neurological/psychological tests that a professional can do?
Thank you.
Thank you for answering I find HCM very helpful.
I never considered PTSD, but I understand it as being likely. I have flashbacks.
I did go to a GP before coming here, but only for examination of my jaw and ear as I had pain there. There were no headaches at the time of seeing someone. And at the moment I keep getting infrequent headaches and they seem to be worsening.
I'm considering going to see my local GP again about the headaches, and can they refer me to a psychologist?
I would like to know is it possible and applicable for me to be referred or self-refer myself to have an MRI/CT scan, if the headaches persist and get worse?
I think a scan is overboard thinking. Are there other neurological/psychological tests that a professional can do?
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Start by consulting your GP.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I think you should get evaluated first by your GP, before to consider imaging studies such CT or MRI, if your Doctor thinks they are necessary, you can get them done.
An evaluation by a Psychologist is very necessary, so you can ask your GP for a reference.
The Psychologist may order additional tests if he thinks they are necessary.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards.
Start by consulting your GP.
Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
I think you should get evaluated first by your GP, before to consider imaging studies such CT or MRI, if your Doctor thinks they are necessary, you can get them done.
An evaluation by a Psychologist is very necessary, so you can ask your GP for a reference.
The Psychologist may order additional tests if he thinks they are necessary.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Remy Koshy
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