Bizarre Sensation Following Head Trauma
Just a few days ago, I experienced a significant fall from a height of about 12 feet, landing directly on my head, which rendered me unconscious for roughly thirty seconds. Upon regaining consciousness, I felt relatively unhurt and was adamant about not needing medical assistance, though my friend insisted on taking me to the hospital regardless. While we were figuring out how to get to the emergency room, I began to undergo an unusual sensation. It felt as if one half of my brain was in a dreamlike state while the other half was fully alert. I was actively engaged, yet my mind was overwhelmed with bizarre, fantastical narratives resembling dreams. It was as if I was momentarily recalling past dreams, but oddly, all the content connected to my present circumstances, making that theory unlikely. This phenomenon also distorted my perception of time, elongating it in a manner reminiscent of how time feels altered during a cannabis high. It’s quite difficult to articulate, but I hope that conveys the essence of what I experienced. This odd state persisted for several hours before gradually fading. Initially, it sent me into a panic, making me feel like I was losing my grip on reality. At the emergency room, I received stitches for my injury and was diagnosed with a concussion. While I’m not in need of immediate medical guidance, I can't shake off thoughts about that strange episode. I haven’t found any information online regarding similar experiences and I’m eager to discover if this phenomenon is recognized and what might have caused it. I was quite disoriented at the time, so I neglected to mention this unusual experience to the medical staff at the ER.
Answers (1)
6/20/2025, 9:50:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned about the unusual sensations you experienced following your head injury, especially given the context of a concussion. Such feelings can be unsettling, and it’s important to recognize that they may have a connection to the trauma your brain experienced.
Explanation
After a concussion, the brain can react in various ways due to its temporary dysfunction. The sensations you described, such as feeling as if one half of your brain was in a dream-like state while the other half was alert, align with common neurological responses to concussion. This could be linked to alterations in cognitive function and heightened sensory perception due to the brain’s state during recovery.
The experience of distorted time perception and intense narratives could stem from changes in how your brain processes reality immediately after the trauma. During concussions, cognitive function and the brain's processing capabilities can fluctuate, leading to disorientation or surreal experiences.
Next Steps
-
Rest and Recovery: Prioritize sleep and avoid activities that require intense concentration or that could put you at risk for another injury (like contact sports) until you fully recover. This will help your brain heal.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any ongoing or new symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, confusion, or changes in vision. If any symptoms worsen or new ones develop, be attentive to these changes.
-
Follow-up: Although you're not seeking immediate medical assistance, consider scheduling a follow-up with a healthcare provider. Discussing your unusual experience may provide more insights and rule out any concerns moving forward.
-
Limit Stimuli: For now, reduce exposure to bright screens, loud noises, and other sensory inputs that might exacerbate any lingering symptoms.
-
Seek Support: If feelings of anxiety or panic that arose from this experience persist, it might be helpful to talk to someone you trust or a mental health professional about your feelings.
If you notice severe cognitive symptoms or you experience a second impact to your head in the future, don’t hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Understanding your brain’s recovery process can help reassure you. Remember, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed after such an event, and seeking support is a positive step.
Related Questions
Three Weeks Post Gallbladder Surgery - Is It Infected?
Patient Profile: - Age: 35 - Gender: Female - Height: 5 feet 4 inches - Weight: 160 pounds - Ethnicity: Asian Issue Duration: 3 weeks Location: United States Relevant Medical History: Approximately three weeks ago, I underwent gallbladder removal surgery. Recently, I have observed a slight amount of cloudy fluid emerging from the surgical site over the past few days. Just moments ago, I noticed a possible pus discharge from the incision. While there is no significant pain, I do feel mild soreness when shifting my position. I have not experienced any fever or chills, and there is no unpleasant odor coming from the wound. Should I continue to clean the area with soap and water, or would it be prudent to seek immediate medical attention at the ER for a professional evaluation?
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.
Seeking Guidance for My Mother's Sudden Hearing Loss Case
I am looking for advice regarding my mother's situation with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). **Patient Overview:** - **Age:** 48 years - **Gender:** Female - **Medical Issues:** Hypothyroidism and overweight (approximately 95 kg at the onset) - **Treatment:** Thyroid medication (25 mcg taken daily) **Medical Background:** In November 2025, my mother experienced an abrupt hearing loss in her right ear accompanied by dizziness and nausea. We consulted several ENT specialists within approximately 36 hours following the onset of her symptoms. She received a diagnosis of SSNHL but unfortunately, she did not undergo intratympanic steroid injections during the critical first 24 hours that could have aided her recovery. Despite receiving subsequent treatment, she has not regained hearing in her affected ear. **Examination Results:** - **Audiogram:** Loss of approximately 100 dB in the right ear; left ear shows normal hearing. - **Brain MRI:** A normal scan was conducted previously, ruling out tumors. - **Laboratory Tests:** Recent blood tests (including thyroid function, HbA1c, renal and liver function tests, CBC, etc.) show elevated TSH (6.73) and a HbA1c of 8.5%. We are currently preparing for a contrast MRI to eliminate the possibility of a vestibular schwannoma or nerve issues. **Current Condition:** The hearing loss persists in her right ear. She is feeling anxious about the upcoming contrast MRI, which involves gadolinium injection. However, she has started making positive lifestyle changes and has lost about 4.5 kg over the past two months, adhering to a protein-rich diet and a walking regimen. **My Inquiries:** 1. Is it still beneficial to perform a contrast MRI several months after the initial SSNHL diagnosis, considering that a normal MRI has already been completed? 2. For cases such as this—severe SSNHL with delayed steroid intervention—are there realistic prospects for hearing recovery at a later date? 3. Are there any additional tests or treatments that should be taken into account at this stage? 4. For family gatherings where loud music will be present, would high-quality earplugs or noise-canceling earbuds be a good option to safeguard her healthier ear? 5. Is it advisable for her to continue with whey protein supplementation and the weight-loss plan? 6. What should we prioritize for long-term management: hearing aids, rehabilitation, regular monitoring, etc.? I recognize that the chances of recovery may be slim, but I want to ensure we are covering all bases and that her care plan is appropriate. I appreciate any insights or suggestions you can offer. Thank you for your assistance!
Seeking Clarity on Medical Notes
Greetings, I’ve chosen to use a throwaway account to keep my medical details private from my main one. My daughter, a 3-year-old with cerebral palsy, is prescribed baclofen, gabapentin, senna, and occasionally, Miralax. She is raised in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. Recently, my daughter has exhibited instances of staring and being unresponsive, which we discussed with her pediatric neurologist. These episodes occurred multiple times over three weeks. Concerned about potential seizure activity, we recorded some incidents and shared them with the doctor. He advised us to schedule an EEG, which was set for the soonest available time a week later, while instructing us to call if more episodes occurred. When another episode took place, we reached out to the neurologist, who practices at a children’s hospital approximately two hours away. He recommended that we go to our local emergency room. Upon arriving there, the attending physician reviewed her history but seemed skeptical. After a lengthy wait and attempts to clarify our situation, the on-call neurologist eventually came to see us—although he showed little interest in the video evidence we provided. He proceeded with an EEG that lasted only 15 minutes during which my daughter did not have any episodes. Unfortunately, this neurologist was rather abrupt and seemed dismissive, ultimately sending us home without satisfactory answers. Now, I find myself puzzled. In the EEG report, the neurologist mentioned something called a "teddy bear sign." As I had never encountered this term before, I did some research and discovered that it may suggest that seizure activity is not genuine if the patient is in possession of a stuffed animal or similar item. Is this a legitimate observation? My daughter indeed had her beloved baby doll, which she takes with her everywhere. I fail to comprehend how this could be relevant or why it might indicate that her potential seizure activity is fabricated. I plan to reach out to her primary neurologist to gain deeper insight into the meaning of this "teddy bear sign." Thank you for your help!
Evaluating the Reliability of Blood Tests for Liver Disease
As a 30-year-old man who has indulged in heavy drinking during weekends for the past decade, I recently sought to understand the health of my liver through a blood test conducted at a laboratory. Initially, I felt a wave of relief when I received my results indicating that all my liver enzyme levels were within normal limits. However, my sense of security was short-lived as I stumbled upon information suggesting that some forms of liver disease might not be detectable through standard blood testing. This has prompted me to question the extent to which I can rely on my test results. Is it possible that underlying issues might still exist despite what the blood work revealed?