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What Causes Headache And Fainting Post Mild Head Injury?

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Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015
Question: hi, I fainted last night and hit my head on the tile floor.
I had a headache but excederin has taken the headache away and it is just sore to the touch.
I had eaten, I had not had any alchohol, and didn't get up fast which I know are usual symptons. I do have a high stress level but wanted to know if I needed to do anything further.
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question and I understand your concern.

I am not sure whether you are wondering about any consequence of hitting the head on the floor or about what led you to fainting.

Regarding the first possibility, from your description you should be fine, symptoms/signs which could lead to worry are increasing/intense headache, seizures, weakness of the limbs on one side, double vision, abnormal behavior. If no such signs during the first 24 hours, no need to worry about head trauma.

If you were wondering about what led to the fainting, some consideration must be put into that. It would be useful to know whether you had any premonitory symptoms such as nausea, dizziness etc. It would also be useful if someone saw the event and could tell what happened during the episode, whether there was any limb shaking, facial twitching which could indicate a seizure, or other signs like paleness, sweating etc.

Generally speaking for simple fainting, or syncope, what is required is a physical evaluation from a physician to look for vital signs supine and standing, abnormal heart rhythm or other signs. Also an ECG is generally recommended in all patients.

Whether evaluation is left at that or other tests are needed depends on the findings and history. In most cases it is a question of a benign cause such as vasovagal syncope (common in anxious situations) and nothing more is warranted. When history is suspicious for a particular condition, or there is an abnormal finding on physical exam and ECG, or at times when there is a family history of sudden death or cardiac abnormalities further tests might be needed.

However I don't mean to scare you, most times as I said it's nothing serious, but a physical exam from a physician and ECG is recommended.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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What Causes Headache And Fainting Post Mild Head Injury?

Brief Answer: Read below. Detailed Answer: I read your question and I understand your concern. I am not sure whether you are wondering about any consequence of hitting the head on the floor or about what led you to fainting. Regarding the first possibility, from your description you should be fine, symptoms/signs which could lead to worry are increasing/intense headache, seizures, weakness of the limbs on one side, double vision, abnormal behavior. If no such signs during the first 24 hours, no need to worry about head trauma. If you were wondering about what led to the fainting, some consideration must be put into that. It would be useful to know whether you had any premonitory symptoms such as nausea, dizziness etc. It would also be useful if someone saw the event and could tell what happened during the episode, whether there was any limb shaking, facial twitching which could indicate a seizure, or other signs like paleness, sweating etc. Generally speaking for simple fainting, or syncope, what is required is a physical evaluation from a physician to look for vital signs supine and standing, abnormal heart rhythm or other signs. Also an ECG is generally recommended in all patients. Whether evaluation is left at that or other tests are needed depends on the findings and history. In most cases it is a question of a benign cause such as vasovagal syncope (common in anxious situations) and nothing more is warranted. When history is suspicious for a particular condition, or there is an abnormal finding on physical exam and ECG, or at times when there is a family history of sudden death or cardiac abnormalities further tests might be needed. However I don't mean to scare you, most times as I said it's nothing serious, but a physical exam from a physician and ECG is recommended. I remain at your disposal for further questions.