Am I Overreacting?
Recently, I had an unfortunate accident where I (25F) banged my head quite forcefully against a doorknob. It happened on a Thursday; I was in a squatting position picking something up and stood up abruptly, hitting the knob right on my right temple, close to my eye. The impact was so intense that I fell backward onto the floor, landing on my backside in pain. The aftermath was a severe headache, followed by feeling extremely nauseous the next day. I hesitated to go to the emergency room because I thought it might sound ridiculous to seek help for a doorknob injury, so instead, I opted for urgent care. The medical staff conducted an evaluation and assessed that I appeared to be fine, providing me with a pain relief injection. Unfortunately, that shot didn't offer much relief; my headache persisted, and I continued to experience waves of nausea. Compounding the situation, I also deal with significant anxiety, which has heightened my distress throughout this experience. My headaches intensify in chaotic environments, and it has now been two full days since the incident. I'm left wondering, when will I start to feel improvement? Is it concerning that I’m still feeling so unwell?
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 2:20:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand that experiencing persistent symptoms after hitting your head can be very concerning, especially with your anxiety. It’s not uncommon to feel uneasy about whether you’re overreacting; however, your symptoms are valid and should be taken seriously. Let’s address your situation step by step.
Key Points:
- Head Injury Effects: It's normal to experience headaches and nausea following a head injury, especially with the force you described. These symptoms can be temporary, but they can be concerning if they persist or worsen.
- Anxiety's Role: Your anxiety can amplify your perception of pain and discomfort, which may make it feel like things are worse than they are.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're experiencing, such as a severe headache and nausea, can be due to a concussion or post-concussion syndrome, common after head injuries. While urgent care indicated you were fine, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to re-evaluate.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms. Note if your headaches worsen, if you experience confusion or memory issues, or if you have balance problems. This information will be crucial if further evaluation is needed.
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Rest and Hydrate: Ensure you are resting properly and staying hydrated. Limiting screen time and avoiding bright lights or loud noises can also help reduce headache intensity.
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Manage Nausea: Consider trying ginger tea or over-the-counter medications like meclizine specifically for nausea, unless contraindicated by other health conditions or medications you may be taking.
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Seek Further Evaluation: If after a few more days you do not start to feel improvement in your headaches and nausea, or if they worsen, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional again for further evaluation. Given your ongoing symptoms, it’s essential not to hesitate if you feel something is not right.
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Address Anxiety: Since anxiety heightens your discomfort, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga may help alleviate some of the tension and anxiety related to your symptoms.
Please remember, while the situation sounds distressing, taking these steps can help you manage your symptoms effectively. Your well-being is the priority, and seeking help when in doubt is never overreacting. Take care of yourself, and feel free to reach out if you need more support or advice.
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