OpenHealth Q&A

Could My Persistent Head Pain Be Linked to an Old Injury?

At 24 years old, I’m left wondering if my ongoing head pain might stem from an incident in my past. When I was 17, I experienced a traumatic event: I was struck in the left temple by a truck door. This was no ordinary vehicle; it was an older model, known for its heavy metal build and notorious for having a faulty door that often wouldn’t close properly. My boyfriend at the time, a quarterback, would have to slam the door shut during our outings to prevent it from accidentally reopening while driving. On that particular evening, as we were leaving a restaurant, curiosity got the better of me. I turned around to catch a glimpse of who my boyfriend was speaking to across the parking lot, blissfully unaware of the door swinging towards my head. He didn’t notice my movement, and with a force he usually applied, he slammed the door, striking me on the head. The moment is quite hazy, but the impact was jarring, and everything went dark. When I regained consciousness, I found myself face down in the seat of the truck, disoriented, with limited vision, accompanied by an eerie sound—my own laughter. It took me a moment to realize I was the source of that laughter, and it frightened me because it felt beyond my control. Once I was fully aware again, I was plagued with a throbbing headache, lack of coordination, heightened sensitivity to light, and nausea. Subsequently, I visited the hospital where an older, condescending doctor dismissed my concerns. His diagnosis was simply a "bump on my head," and he handed me a pamphlet about traumatic brain injuries without even conducting a thorough examination, such as a pupil check. His attitude was dismissive, especially as I sat there clutching a bag, panic rising within me as nausea threatened to take over. The ensuing weeks remained murky, marked by overwhelming fatigue and painful sensitivity to light, as if I were perpetually hungover, coupled with the ongoing bouts of nausea. Fast forward to the present day, and the left side of my head is a constant source of pain. It feels tender, and strangely swollen at times, particularly during headaches. I try to reassure myself that it’s all psychological (clever pun intended), but my mental reassurances have no effect on the persistent discomfort. Occasionally, I also experience tingling or slight numbness in my left cheek, which I suspect could be nerve-related. Yet, I am perplexed—almost ten years have passed since that fateful incident. Shouldn’t the injury have healed by now, even in the case of a skull fracture? I have to wonder about the underlying implications of these symptoms. Is there anyone out there who might have insight into what I’m dealing with? I feel hesitant to see a doctor again, fearing another dismissive response like the one I encountered back then.

Answers (1)

3/30/2025, 8:40:39 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to be concerned about your persistent head pain, especially considering the traumatic incident from your past. Given your history and ongoing symptoms, including tenderness, persistent pain on the left side of your head, and tingling in your cheek, it’s certainly worth exploring the potential connection to the previous injury.

Explanation

The symptoms you describe—sustained head pain, sensitivity to light, nausea, and neurological signs like tingling—can indeed be linked to past traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions. Even years later, some individuals experience lasting effects from such injuries, which can manifest as chronic headaches or other neurological symptoms. These may not always be simple aftereffects but can indicate underlying issues that may require attention.

The dismissive treatment you received previously can contribute to feelings of frustration and hesitance about seeking care again, but it's important to know that your experiences and symptoms are valid and should be taken seriously.

Prioritized Next Steps

1. Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms for at least one week. Note the intensity, duration, triggers, and any accompanying symptoms. This can help identify patterns and provide useful information when discussing your condition.

2. Educate Yourself: Look into topics like post-concussion syndrome, neuropathic pain, and potential complications from your injury. Understanding these can empower you and prepare you for conversations with healthcare professionals.

3. Seek a Neurology Specialist: While it’s understandable to be hesitant, finding a neurologist who specializes in head injuries and concussions is crucial. It may be beneficial to seek recommendations from trusted sources or look for specialists experienced in treating past traumatic brain injuries.

4. Communicate Openly: When you make an appointment, express your past experiences with healthcare, including how the previous visit felt dismissive. This can help the new doctor understand your concerns and approach your care with the seriousness it deserves.

5. Consider Psychological Support: If you find that anxiety about your symptoms is impacting your day-to-day life, talking to a mental health professional can provide coping strategies and emotional support.

Remember that you have the right to seek the care you need and deserve. It’s important to advocate for yourself and find a provider who listens and partners with you in your health journey. Please do reach out if you have more questions or need further clarification.