OpenHealth Q&A

Should I Return to the Hospital Due to Ongoing Symptoms?

I’m a 35-year-old non-binary individual, and I currently take multivitamins, magnesium glycinate, and turmeric for my joint health. I do not use drugs, nor do I smoke or vape, and I’ve abstained from alcohol since my injury occurred. To provide a brief overview, back in April, an incident at work resulted in me hitting my head against a metal cart. Initially, I thought my noise injury was the most severe concern since that area was most painful, coupled with significant swelling around the bridge of my nose. Fortunately, no bones were fractured, but the impact was more extensive than I'd first realized. Because this injury occurred during work hours, I had to navigate through the worker’s compensation process, visiting an authorized clinic where they conducted an X-ray showing no fractures. After a couple of weeks, my symptoms were dismissed, and I was returned to work with minimal restrictions, despite my cautious approach. Shortly thereafter, I found myself needing to go to the ER after I nearly fainted while on the job. Following a CT scan, I received a diagnosis of post-concussion syndrome and was referred to a neurologist, during which time I was also prescribed physical therapy while on leave. Strangely, a month later, the neurologist released me to return to work even though I was still experiencing significant dizziness without a follow-up appointment or a supporting doctor’s note. Now that I've been back in my customer service role for a week, I am really having a tough time coping. The dizziness has intensified, evolving into regular headaches focusing on the point of impact, and persistent nausea accompanies my work efforts. Additionally, I’ve begun to experience neck tension and what feels like a buzzing sensation at the base of my skull. As I'm relying on worker’s compensation for medical coverage due to financial constraints, my access to alternative medical facilities is limited. I can’t return to the clinic as they mirror the neurologist’s opinions. My only viable option appears to be the ER that is accepted under worker’s compensation. Hence, I am seeking advice: should I make a trip to the hospital, or should I hold off until I receive communication from my neurologist clarifying the reasons behind my treatment being terminated? Or should I proceed to the ER given that the dizziness is so severe it hinders my ability to manage even light tasks like retrieving items from lower shelves? My primary concern is to keep everything within the realm of worker's compensation, given that this all stems from a workplace accident and my choices for care are scant, including urgent care facilities.

Answers (1)

7/3/2025, 5:40:49 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel concerned about your worsening symptoms following a significant head injury. The dizziness, headaches, nausea, and neck tension you're experiencing are important signals from your body that should not be ignored. Given your current situation and the context of your workplace injury, it's essential to approach this carefully.

Main Points:

1. Your worsening symptoms indicate a potential need for medical evaluation.
2. The emergency room (ER) can provide immediate attention to your acute symptoms.
3. Documenting your symptoms can help with your worker’s compensation process.

Explanation:

Post-concussion syndrome can lead to a range of symptoms, including dizziness and headaches, which may not manifest immediately after the injury. The fact that your symptoms are intensifying and affecting your daily activities, such as retrieving items from shelves, is concerning. The buzzing sensation at the base of your skull and increasing neck tension are also symptoms that warrant attention, as they could be related to your head injury.

Next Steps:

1. Go to the ER: Given the severity of your symptoms, particularly the dizziness impacting your ability to perform tasks, it is advisable to visit the ER. They can conduct further evaluations, which may include imaging or neurological assessments to ensure no additional complications have arisen.

2. Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms—when they occur, their intensity, and how they interfere with your daily tasks. This documentation can be crucial for worker’s compensation and any future medical follow-ups.

3. Follow-Up with Your Neurologist: If possible, reach out to your neurologist's office for guidance on the abrupt discharge and express your ongoing symptoms. Ensuring they are aware of your current state is important, even if they are the same group that previously assessed you.

4. Rest and Hydration: In the meantime, ensure you are resting adequately and staying hydrated, as dehydration can exacerbate headaches and dizziness. Avoiding stress and any known triggers will also be beneficial.

Attending to your health is the priority here; don’t hesitate to seek the help you need. Your symptoms deserve further investigation to ensure your recovery is on track. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.