After Hitting My Head, Is It Common to Experience Extended Headaches?
I recently had an incident where I bumped my head, and I'm curious about whether it's typical to have ongoing headaches for several weeks afterward. So, to give you a bit of background about myself, I’m 15 years old and will turn 16 soon. I stand about 5'3'' or 5'4'' and weigh around 125 to 130 pounds. I don’t smoke and have been on medications for mental health issues for over ten years, alongside taking vitamin D supplements. I began taking ice skating lessons where helmets are mandatory. During what I believe was my second lesson, my helmet was not secured properly. When I fell, my head jolted inside the helmet. Thankfully, I didn't lose consciousness, and aside from the initial shock, I felt okay afterward, which is usually how I feel after head bumps during other sports activities. However, by the end of the hour-long lesson, I developed a moderate headache accompanied by some nausea. While I opted not to go to the emergency room, I consulted with my aunt, who operates a clinic, and she reassured me that I would likely recover without issue. That incident was about two weeks ago, although I can't recall the exact timing. Lately, my memory has been somewhat hazy, more so than usual, and I’ve been struggling to remember names and faces (not sure if this is connected, but it seems relevant). Following the headache, I continued going to school, but I was reliant on pain relievers like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. I frequently had to visit the nurse after the medication wore off or even go home if the pain became unbearable. Although I hoped the headaches would improve, I’m now realizing it's been approximately three to four weeks. I have stopped taking the medications since they don’t seem to help anymore. What steps should I take next? Additionally, while I did quickly read some of the forum guidelines, I may need to update my post if you think it's important to list the specific medications I'm on.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 4:00:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing ongoing headaches after hitting your head can be concerning, especially since it has been several weeks since the incident. It's not uncommon for some individuals to experience post-concussive symptoms like headaches or memory difficulties after a head injury, but it's important to evaluate these symptoms appropriately. Here’s how to approach your situation:
Explanation
After a head injury, some people can experience what’s called a concussion, even if they didn’t lose consciousness. It’s possible that the headache and nausea you felt after your fall may be related to this. Common symptoms following a concussion can include headaches, difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and sometimes nausea. While some individuals recover quickly, others may face persistent symptoms that last weeks or longer.
Your situation—prolonged headaches and memory issues—warrants a closer look as they can indicate that your brain needs more time to heal. Given your age and the nature of your symptoms, it's best to take further action.
Next Steps
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Rest and Monitor Your Symptoms: Prioritize rest and limit activities that require focus or concentration (like homework or screen time). It's essential to allow your brain time to recover.
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Track your headaches, noting their frequency, intensity, location, and any triggers you notice (like stress or specific activities). This can be helpful for understanding patterns and informing future discussions.
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Avoid Pain Relievers for Now: Since you’ve mentioned that medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen aren't helping, it might be worthwhile to take a break from these altogether for a bit. Overuse can sometimes lead to rebound headaches.
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Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and eating balanced meals to support your recovery.
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Consider Cognitive and Physical Rest: Engage in light activities but avoid sports or vigorous exercise that could risk another head injury until you feel fully recovered.
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Monitor for Red Flags: Be vigilant for severe symptoms such as:
- Severe headaches that don’t improve
- Worsening confusion or memory issues
- Difficulty walking or balancing
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Vision changes If any of these occur, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.
Future Action
While you may want to avoid unnecessary medical visits, if your headaches persist beyond another week or worsen, I strongly recommend you consult with a healthcare professional. You may also benefit from seeing a specialist, like a neurologist who can evaluate your head injury more thoroughly.
Your health and recovery are top priorities, so taking these steps can help you on your way to feeling better. Please take care of yourself, and let me know if there’s anything else you need!
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