Setback After Concussion: Seeking Advice
I’m a 16-year-old, standing at 5’10" and weighing 178 pounds. Recently, I experienced a mild concussion while sparring, which left me feeling fatigued, dizzy, and with a headache. After three days, I noticed some improvement in my symptoms. However, my friend inadvertently hit me twice on the head, unaware of my previous injury, and now my headache has returned. It has been a week since the initial concussion, and while the dizziness and headache persist, I no longer feel fatigued. Am I going to be okay?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 7:50:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned after experiencing a concussion, especially with a recent setback from another head impact. Your symptoms, including a returning headache and dizziness, can occur after such injuries, but it's essential to approach your situation carefully.
Explanation
A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury that affects brain function. Symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, and feelings of fatigue or confusion. It’s a positive sign that you noticed some improvement after the initial injury, but recurring symptoms after another hit are a valid reason to pay close attention to how you feel.
It's common for symptoms to return or worsen after subsequent impacts to the head, even if they seem mild. Staying cautious is important, as repeated concussions can lead to longer recovery times or more severe issues.
Next Steps
-
Rest: Prioritize rest and limit physical activity, especially any activities that could risk further head impacts. Avoid sports and intense exercise until you have fully recovered.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If your headaches become more intense, if you experience significant dizziness, confusion, nausea, or any new symptoms like balance issues or sensitivity to light in the coming days, note these changes.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and eat balanced meals to support recovery. This can help manage headaches and overall well-being.
-
Limit Screen Time: Reduce screen exposure (TV, phone, computer) as it may worsen headaches and dizziness.
-
Use Pain Relief (if necessary): If headaches are bothersome, consider over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the package instructions.
-
Return to Activity Gradually: Once you start feeling better, gradually reintroduce light activities and monitor how you feel during and after.
-
Professional Guidance: Continue to monitor your symptoms closely. If headaches persist or worsen, or if you have concerns about your recovery, seeking professional medical guidance would be advisable.
It's important to prioritize your health and recovery. If you feel uncertain or your symptoms do not improve, don’t hesitate to reach out for medical help. Take care, and let me know if you need more information or support.
Related Questions
Unexplained Lip Issues: Seeking Advice
Recently, I noticed some unusual spots on my lip. I had one pop up yesterday, but today there seem to be multiple new ones. The skin on these areas feels delicate and appears as though it could peel away easily. There's a constant burning sensation that accompanies them, making it quite uncomfortable. If anyone has experienced something similar or has insights into what this might be, I would really appreciate your input!
Discontinuing Lamictal Safely: My Experience and Approach
Age: 23 Struggling with anxiety, PTSD, BPD, chronic migraines, and idiopathic hypersomnia. Current Medications: Vyvanse, Wellbutrin, Lamictal. Since I was around 16 years old, I've been prescribed Lamictal, taking a dosage of 200mg over the years, occasionally adjusting up and down. As far as I can tell, this medication isn’t typically indicated for BPD, which raises my confusion about why it was prescribed in the first place. I just recently weaned myself off Seroquel for the same reasons. My psychiatrist has suggested that the discontinuation process should be gradual, but he also mentioned we could revisit this at my next prescription refill. I’d rather not wait that long since I receive my medication in 60-day supplies. Therefore, I’ve decided to stop using it on my own, and I’m looking for guidance on how to do this safely. I really dislike being on medication that doesn't seem to work for me. Eventually, I also plan to discontinue Wellbutrin, aiming to eliminate all psychiatric medications from my routine. This situation has become exhausting, and I am contemplating whether I should even continue with psychiatric care, since my struggles have persisted since I was 14.
Could This Be Tongue Cancer?
I’m a 36-year-old and for the past four weeks, I've been dealing with several painful ulcers appearing on the sides of my tongue. Recently, I noticed what seems to be a cut alongside a lump in the same area. Eating or drinking causes significant discomfort due to the stinging sensation. I'm beginning to worry about the possibility of it being tongue cancer.
Clarifying Female Anatomy: A Personal Inquiry
It seems quite frustrating that essential information about female anatomy isn't more easily accessible online. I've been dealing with vulvodynia, and during a recent attempt to apply a cream using a Q-tip, I mistakenly inserted it into an unintended area. Now, I'm curious whether I might have accidentally accessed my urethra, especially considering I've previously undergone a procedure to dilate it. The sensation I experienced was akin to the urinary discomfort I've felt before. I had always understood the urethra to be the small opening situated a bit higher up in the vestibule, right at the tip of the V shape. I'm having difficulty articulating this clearly, but as I visualize it, when the area is spread open, I see the vagina, an opening above it, and then what appears to be a very tiny hole close to the clitoris. It's all quite perplexing to me!
Is It Necessary for Me to Visit the Emergency Room?
A Little Background About Me: I’m a 30-year-old male from Australia, standing at 178 cm and weighing 78 kg. I also smoke occasionally. Current Medications I’m Using: My prescription list includes Duloxetine at 120 mg, Propranolol, which I take in doses ranging from 10 mg to a maximum of 80 mg per day as required, and a slow-release oxycodone formulation of 10 mg that I take twice daily to manage chronic pain. Additionally, I take basic magnesium, vitamin D, and several other vitamins. Recent Health Concerns: I’ve recently noticed a bump emerging from a minor scratch, which I’ve experienced before. I suspect it could either be a skin infection or a reaction to an insect bite. The previous incident didn’t yield a clear diagnosis, but it required a considerable incision to drain the pus, leaving a significant opening that took time to heal. Moreover, I’ve been struggling with nightmares since the recent passing of my parents, leading to some distressing incidents like falling out of bed, which caused scratches down my neck and an injury to my arm from a drawer corner. Given my current situation, I’m contemplating whether it would be wise to seek medical evaluation—particularly to see if I might need antibiotics. My regular doctor is currently unavailable, and I recall being advised previously that the extent of pus accumulation was the reason for such an aggressive treatment method. For now, I've resorted to applying warm compresses to the affected area.