Questions to Address with Your Doctor After Sustaining Head Injuries from Assault
About six months prior, I experienced a serious incident while in a relationship where I was assaulted; my partner kicked me in the head, resulting in a fractured orbital bone, a broken nose, and a ruptured sinus. It was incredibly distressing to endure such violence without retaliating, fearing the possibility that I might be blamed or accused of instigating the altercation. Despite my attempts to escape, she relentlessly pursued, even trying to run me down with her car. Following the attack, I underwent a CT scan which confirmed that I had multiple fractures including a broken nose, injuries to my sinus bones, and blowout fractures in the orbital floor. Medical professionals quickly recommended plastic surgery. The surgeon explained that he would need to make an incision on my eyelid to insert a metal plate beneath my eye, emphasizing the inherent risks of the procedure. He advised me to monitor my condition and weigh the benefits of surgery. Since that time, I have been experiencing continuous head pain, characterized by a persistent throbbing ache, and the area surrounding my fractured orbital bone feels unusually stiff and is constantly flexing. I suffer from nearly constant headaches, and I’ve noticed a significant decline in my reading speed; for instance, while playing a co-op role-playing game, I realized I could only read half as quickly as my gaming partner. Additionally, I attempted to play guitar around the same time, but it felt as though I had forgotten how to do so effectively. I’m uncertain whether the healthcare team conducted a comprehensive assessment of my head injuries, and I’m unsure about what specific inquiries I should raise with them. Symptoms such as sensitivity to bright lights and loud noises, difficulties in reading and clear thinking, and occasional slurred speech have been troubling me greatly. What precise questions should I pose to my doctors to ensure a thorough evaluation of my condition?
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 7:40:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a severely traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally, and it’s completely understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed with your ongoing symptoms. It’s important to address your health concerns methodically to ensure you receive the help you need.
Main Points
- You are experiencing persistent head pain, cognitive difficulties, and physical symptoms following what sounds like significant head trauma.
- It's crucial to have a thorough evaluation by your healthcare team to address these ongoing symptoms and determine the best course of action.
Explanation
Head injuries, particularly those involving fractures, can lead to long-term effects including persistent pain, cognitive difficulties (like trouble concentrating and reading), and processing issues. Symptoms such as slurred speech and sensitivity to light and sound may indicate a deeper neurological impact that warrants comprehensive evaluation.
Prioritized Questions for Your Doctor
When you meet with your healthcare team, consider asking the following questions:
-
Assessment of Current Symptoms:
- What might be causing my persistent headaches and cognitive difficulties?
- Can we discuss the relationship between my physical injuries and the symptoms I've been experiencing?
-
Thorough Evaluation:
- What further tests do you recommend to properly assess the impact of my head injuries? Would a follow-up CT scan or MRI be helpful?
- Are there specific specialists (like a neurologist or pain management expert) that I should see to assess my condition further?
-
Surgical Considerations:
- Given my ongoing symptoms, would surgery still be the recommended option? What risks and benefits should I consider, especially concerning my cognitive symptoms?
- If I opt against surgery now, what alternative treatments can help manage my symptoms?
-
Symptom Management:
- What immediate steps can I take to relieve my headaches and improve my cognitive function?
- Are there specific therapies or rehabilitation programs that could assist with my memory and reading speed issues?
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Long-term Outlook:
- What is the expected recovery timeline for someone with my injuries?
- What signs or symptoms should prompt me to seek immediate medical attention?
Next Steps
- Prepare for Your Appointment: Write down these questions and any additional concerns you might have. Consider bringing a symptom diary to help convey the severity and duration of your issues.
- Engage Support Systems: Consider reaching out to supportive friends or family members to help you feel more comfortable discussing these personal and sensitive topics with your healthcare team.
- Self-Care: While you're navigating this process, try to manage stress through gentle activities such as meditation, light stretching, or journaling. It might also be worth exploring gentle cognitive exercises to help with your reading and memory difficulties.
It’s vital to advocate for your health and well-being, and asking the right questions will empower you to take informed steps toward healing. Take care and best wishes for your recovery.
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