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Is Recurring Headache Post An Head Injury A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Wed, 24 Aug 2016

Question: I hit my head at the back of my skull, slightly to the right of the skull base, while riding on a boat on Saturday 7/30/16 .The spot I hit is sore and sensitive to the touch. The rest of the day Saturday and Sunday I was fine but then Monday I had a pounding headache that would not go away no matter how much water I drank and I took ibuprofen 3 times throughout the day. Tuesday (yesterday) the headache is less severe but still there. Today the headache is less but still there. I also have a pain in my right inner ear but no bleeding. So the headaches are getting better each day but are still present. There has been no nausea or vomiting. On Sunday I did water sports where a lot of water went up my nasal cavity. Are the headaches just a combination of the head impact, the water and dehydration? Or is it something more serious?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Head injury seems to be mild

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Head injury may not be serious if not associated with loss of consciousness, severe persistent headache, vomiting, bleeding from nose or ear, seizure, weakness.
Reappearing headache may be of concern sometimes but with improving headache you can continue observation.
Headache may be trauma triggered migraine, stress or exertion.
Continue pain killers for 3-5 days.
Take plenty of Fluids and rest.
May need CT if above mentioned symptoms appear.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Thank you.

What if the headache doesn't get better or worse, it just stays the same? What if the headache is still present after 5 days?

Can I workout/exercise?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get CT if symptoms worsens or persists for long

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Persistent or worsening headache may require atleast non contrast CT head and a doctor's consultation for examination.
Improvement in due course will occur.
Mild headache without requiring any pain killers may be treated with amitryptiline.
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (1 hour later)

Can I exercise?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Can do mild exercises and walking

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Avoid heavy exercises and exertion till you become asymptomatic. Walking can be done.
Wishing you good health and early recovery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar