Should We Have Gone to the ER?
Age: 27, Male Height: 5'10", Weight: 180 lbs Medications: None Smoking: Not a user Alcohol: Consumed occasionally Last Friday, my partner accidentally struck the side of his head while using a breaker bar on our vehicle. Initially, he experienced some dizziness which lasted for a brief period but then transitioned into a headache. Despite this, he chose not to seek medical attention at that time. Throughout the week, he has been experiencing intermittent pain paired with some discomfort in his jaw, prompting me to suggest that he schedule an appointment with his primary care physician for the following week. However, this morning he awoke feeling even stranger in his jaw, accompanied by a persistent headache and noticeable swelling, about an inch in diameter, at the point of impact. Given the evolving symptoms, we opted to head to the emergency room instead of the nearby urgent care facility, which only offers basic X-ray services and limited testing options if necessary. Nevertheless, the staff at the ER didn’t seem overly enthusiastic about our visit. Now, we're left questioning whether we made the right decision or if we might be overreacting. Throughout our lives, we've often heard that head injuries should not be taken lightly, which adds to our concerns.
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 1:50:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns after a head injury, especially when new symptoms arise. Based on your description, your decision to go to the emergency room appears to be prudent given the evolving symptoms your partner has experienced, including persistent headaches, jaw discomfort, and swelling at the impact site.
Explanation
Head injuries can sometimes result in significant complications, such as concussions or swelling in the brain. Even secondary symptoms like jaw discomfort and swelling can indicate underlying issues that might need evaluation by a healthcare professional. The guideline is that if any symptoms change or worsen after an injury, particularly to the head, seeking medical attention is advisable.
Next Steps
-
Monitor Symptoms: Since you're at the ER, make sure the medical staff is fully aware of all your partner's symptoms—this includes the headache intensity, any changes in vision, balance issues, or increased swelling.
-
Follow Up Care: Once you receive medical attention, if any follow-up or further testing is recommended, it’s essential to comply. This may include rest, imaging studies (like a CT scan), or referrals to specialists if needed.
-
Educate on Warning Signs: Post-ER visit, keep an eye on any new or worsening symptoms such as confusion, vomiting, seizures, or worsening headache. If any of these occur, immediate medical attention should be sought.
-
Rest and Recovery: If your partner is discharged, encourage rests, such as avoiding physical exertion and screen time initially. Hydration and pain management, as per the advice of the healthcare team, are critical.
Your attentiveness to his well-being is commendable, and your proactive measures in seeking care are appropriate given the circumstances. Trust your instincts, and ensure that you both stay informed about the signs that require further attention. If you have any further questions or should symptoms persist, don't hesitate to engage with healthcare providers for guidance.
Related Questions
Seeking Help for Ongoing Health Issues
I am reaching out in desperation for assistance! I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar health concerns or could recommend medications or specialists I should consider consulting. I'm truly at a loss and need guidance. As a 23-year-old male vegetarian weighing around 48 kg and standing at 5’4”, I have struggled with being underweight since my childhood. This condition has left me feeling utterly drained and overwhelmed. I’m eager to make a change but feel lost regarding where to begin or which healthcare professional to consult. In my youth, I was diagnosed with asthma, which has significantly improved; however, I continue to deal with low immunity, as I frequently catch colds and coughs from minor exposure to cold environments. Additionally, I’ve noticed that for the past few years, my body temperature feels abnormally high compared to those around me. I experience heat more acutely than my peers. Previously, I was quite active and could walk 4–5 kilometers daily without difficulty. Nowadays, even a short walk of 1–2 kilometers or climbing a few flights of stairs leaves me out of breath and exhausted. Even on days of little physical exertion, I feel weak and lethargic, as though all my vitality has been drained. My appetite has always been low, despite my efforts to increase it. I struggle to consume what would be considered an average meal for someone my age. Just two chapatis or a small bowl of rice or lentils fills me up completely, and attempting to eat more causes discomfort. I often find it perplexing how others manage to eat such larger portions. Dining out has become a challenge for me since even half a plate feels overwhelmingly full. Being extremely slender has made it difficult to find clothing that fits well and has adversely impacted my confidence over the years. For around 15 years, I have hesitated to take photographs of myself. Social and professional circles often regard me as younger than I am, sometimes even as a child, which has contributed to my feelings of invisibility and insecurity. My sensitivity to heat has intensified over the last few years. In seemingly normal room temperatures, I start sweating profusely while those around me remain comfortable. During cold weather, even in temperatures as low as 8°C, I don’t wear warm clothing, as I sweat excessively and feel anxious about overheating. The discomfort can escalate to a point where I feel faint from the heat. In my workplace, where the air conditioning is set at a standard temperature, I find it challenging. I begin to sweat visibly, leaving my clothes damp and prompting coworkers to inquire about my wellbeing. I often feel breathless and anxious that I might collapse if I remain there too long. This makes it very difficult to stay at the office or use public transportation, as even air-conditioned buses can feel uncomfortably warm to me. Over the past year, my situation has deteriorated further. I can no longer tolerate hot or even mildly spiced home-cooked meals, which I used to enjoy without issues. Now, even mildly spiced foods lead to excessive sweating, reddening of my face, and an intense burning sensation in my mouth, akin to consuming overly spicy dishes. As a result, my food intake has diminished even more. I often face ridicule for my dietary limitations, and I’m growing weary of trying to explain my condition, especially when my own family doesn't fully grasp the depth of my struggles, which adds to my distress. I am sharing my story because I truly need help. I wish to identify the underlying issues with my health and seek proper medical attention. If anyone has experienced similar problems or can recommend a suitable type of medical professional to consult, I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support during this challenging time. Thank you. 😭
Interpretation Request for Recent Spinal NM Bone Scan
Hello, doctors. I'm reaching out for your insights regarding a recent NM bone scan of my spine. I've previously undergone a similar scan in 2022, and I'd like to compare the two. To provide context, I am a 29-year-old female weighing 100 kg, and I've been diagnosed with conditions including endplate sclerosis, spinal stenosis, cervical bone spurs, degenerative disc disease (DDD), and mild scoliosis. My medication regimen consists of several prescriptions. Unfortunately, my next appointment with my general practitioner is still a few weeks away, so I would appreciate your assessments on how the latest scan compares to the previous one. Thank you in advance for your help!
Unexpected Eye Issues: Headache and Double Vision Concerns
A 33-year-old female, measuring 1.67 meters in height and weighing 55 kilograms, residing in the Netherlands, experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Last evening, shortly after dinner, my partner complained of a slight headache localized at the rear of her head. Along with this discomfort, she encountered double vision and noticed her right eye deviating outward. Interestingly, when she shut either eye, the double vision resolved, enabling her to see without distortion. We rushed her to the emergency room later that night. The medical team conducted a variety of assessments, including physical examinations, neurological evaluations, visual tests, and laboratory analyses. Fortunately, all results were normal. However, the doctors found it peculiar that her right eye exhibited normal movement and accurately tracked a pen in all directions when her left eye was closed. The medical opinion suggested that it may be a migraine-related episode, a condition she has experienced previously. Nonetheless, she insists that this feels unlike any migraine she has had in the past. A teleconsultation with a neurologist is scheduled for Monday to arrange an MRI should the symptoms continue. The doctors advised that if her symptoms worsen, we should return to the hospital immediately. Fortunately, after a night's rest, her vision had returned to normal by morning, the headache had subsided, and her right eye was aligned properly. I am understandably concerned, particularly due to her assertion that this does not resemble a typical migraine. Is it possible that this is indeed a migraine, or could it be indicative of another underlying issue? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Unusual Wave Patterns in ECG: Potential Artifacts in Lead V6
Upon examining the ECG readings, I've noticed peculiar double wave formations appearing between the QRS complex and the T wave in lead V6. This is new to me, as I have never encountered such patterns before. Could these be classified as artifacts?
Unexplained Bruises on My Right Hand – Seeking Advice
I've noticed some unusual bruising on my right hand over the past month. Strangely enough, they don't hurt at all. Should I be concerned about this? It's quite puzzling to see these random marks without any apparent cause.