Concussion and Alcohol: A Personal Experience
My father, a 59-year-old man with no prior brain injuries or health problems, returned home after a work dinner where he had been drinking. As he was about to head to the bathroom, he lost his footing on a rug and fell backwards quite forcefully. Our home has hardwood floors, and there’s a large drawer just outside the bathroom, which I suspect he may have hit during his fall. I didn't witness the incident directly but rushed over as soon as I heard the noise. After the fall, I noticed that his glasses had been bent, and there were scratches on his arms and legs. He didn’t have any visible cuts on his head, likely due to his thick head of hair. Although he remained conscious, he appeared stunned and noticeably pale for a short period. He also experienced some nausea and somewhat vomited into the toilet, but it was mainly just saliva. He managed to get up by himself, took a shower, and then went to bed. When I asked him for personal information such as his phone number and Social Security number, he was clear and coherent. Right now, he is sleeping, which adds to my concern. I'm curious if his intoxication could either heighten or obscure any symptoms of a concussion that would be easier to identify if he were sober. I urged him to go to the emergency room for a check-up, but he declined. Although he seems to be showing only mild symptoms, I worry about pushing him to the ER for scans, unsure if the medical staff would even initiate such procedures immediately. This situation is hauntingly reminiscent of when my mother fell and injured her head in hospice last year; she became unresponsive within three days and passed away four days later. This troubling sense of déjà vu is keeping me vigilant throughout the night, monitoring his breathing. I’ve developed a strong aversion to bathrooms as a result of these memories.🙃
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 4:50:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you feel concerned about your father's fall, especially considering your past experiences. Falling can lead to serious complications, including a concussion, so keeping an eye on his symptoms is very important.
Key Points:
- Signs of Concussion: Your father may have hit his head during the fall, and symptoms of a concussion can sometimes be subtle or delayed.
- Intoxication's Effect: Alcohol can influence the perception of symptoms or delay the onset of concussion signs, making it difficult to assess the true impact immediately after the incident.
- Monitoring is Crucial: Given the combination of a fall, alcohol consumption, nausea, and a change in consciousness, vigilant monitoring is essential.
Explanation:
A concussion results from a blow or jolt to the head that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull, potentially leading to symptoms like confusion, dizziness, nausea, or loss of consciousness. In your father's case, while he was coherent when assessed, the nausea and initial disorientation are concerning indicators. Alcohol can mask some symptoms and might have contributed to his initial confusion and balance loss.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on his condition for the next 24 hours:
- Watch for changes: Look for worsening symptoms such as confusion, increasing drowsiness, severe headache, repeated vomiting, or difficulty waking him up.
- Use a sleep-wake schedule: If he’s asleep, gently wake him every few hours to assess his responsiveness.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure he stays hydrated but avoid caffeine and heavy meals until symptoms settle.
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Document Symptoms: Write down any changes or new symptoms that arise, including their severity and duration. This will be helpful if he decides to seek medical care later.
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Reassess the Need for Medical Attention: If he shows any worsening symptoms or is hard to wake, it’s crucial to seek emergency care immediately, regardless of his initial reluctance.
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Communicate Openly: Maintain an open conversation with your father about how he’s feeling. If he understands the potential risks, he may be more inclined to visit a medical facility if things change.
Stay vigilant in your observations and provide support to your father as he recovers. If there's anything else you're unsure about, don’t hesitate to ask. You're doing a great job by being attentive to his needs and safety during this time.
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