Unexpected Bump from Balloon Weight
At approximately 1 PM, my two-year-old daughter decided to toss her balloons along with the weight that held them down. While I was lying on the ground, the weight struck me on the right side of my head. Initially, I felt a sharp sting from the impact that lasted for several minutes, but it soon faded. An hour later, I began to notice a headache developing in the area where I was hit. It feels like a blend of aching and pressure. Additionally, my vision seems somewhat altered—not outright blurry, but as though a veil has descended over my eyes, making everything appear slightly obscured. Around 2 PM, when I stood up to retrieve something, a strong pressure intensified in my skull, accompanied by pulsing sensations. This discomfort eased when I crouched back down. I checked my ability to raise both eyebrows; while I succeeded, it caused pain in the affected area. Shortly thereafter, I experienced a peculiar tightness in my forehead, accompanied by a heavy sensation. Bending forward also increased the pressure in my head. Now it’s 7:15 PM. The pressure remains on the side where I was impacted, and my forehead continues to feel weighted. My vision is still hazy, and my mother pointed out that my right eye appears droopy, similar to a lazy eye. I’m uncertain about this perception, as I feel my eye has always looked somewhat this way. Although my headache hasn’t significantly worsened, the pressure has been steadily present, gradually increasing earlier but now remaining constant. I can communicate and type without difficulty, and I don’t feel nauseous or struggle to walk. Despite these factors, I can’t shake the fear that something more severe may be happening and that I might overlook critical symptoms. The weight of the balloon was probably around six ounces; I’m unsure of the exact figure, but it was thrown forcefully from about arm's length away.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 1:30:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re understandably concerned about the symptoms following the impact to your head. Given the details you've shared, it’s important to approach this carefully. Here’s an overview of your situation and recommended next actions.
Main Points:
- You experienced a head impact, followed by a headache, changes in vision, and increased pressure in the area of impact.
- While some symptoms are less concerning, others can indicate the need for medical attention.
Explanation:
Head injuries can lead to various symptoms, some of which may develop over time. The headache, altered vision, and the sensation of pressure you describe could result from the trauma or possibly from other underlying issues.
- Pressure Headache: This can occur after impact due to muscle tension or mild bruising.
- Vision Changes: The "veil" effect in your vision may suggest an issue related to the muscles around the eye or elevated intracranial pressure. The drooping eye can also be concerning, even if it seems to be a normal appearance for you.
- Pulsing Sensations: These might point to increased pressure in the head, which can be a sign of a post-concussion reaction or other complications.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep an eye on your headache and vision. If they worsen or new symptoms arise (like confusion, severe nausea, vomiting, or difficulty walking), this will require urgent attention.
-
Rest: Avoid strenuous activities and ensure you get enough rest. This can help your body recover from the impact.
-
Ice the Area: Apply a cold pack to the affected area for 15-20 minute intervals. This can relieve swelling and discomfort.
-
Pain Management: If the headache persists and is bothersome, consider an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), according to the dosing guidelines. Avoid using aspirin due to its blood-thinning properties unless directed by a healthcare professional.
-
Seek Medical Attention: Given the persistent pressure, altered vision, and especially the drooping appearance of your right eye, it is important to consult a healthcare provider soon. These symptoms warrant a thorough evaluation to rule out more serious conditions such as concussion, intracranial bleeding, or nerve-related issues.
Conclusion:
I can understand your concern, and it's important to take these symptoms seriously. Closely monitor your situation, adhere to the rest recommendations, and seek medical advice promptly if your symptoms change or escalate. If you have any further questions or need clarification on what to watch for, let me know!
Related Questions
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!
Concerns About My Toes
Age: 30, Female Currently, I am on the lookout for a reputable podiatrist in my vicinity. However, I've encountered a perplexing issue with my foot. Just last night, I noticed a growth on the side of my toe, something entirely new to me. I maintain a nutritious diet and have a demanding job that requires me to be on my feet quite often. My footwear includes brands such as Brooks Ghost Runners, Hoka Bondi 9’s, and Nike Motiva’s, and I don’t opt for restrictive socks. I also apply Vick’s Vaporub to my feet, a practice handed down from my family, and stick with simple, non-fragrant lotions like Vanicream and CeraVe SA Cream for my skin. In addition, I am curious about the my big toenail's change in color. What might be the underlying reasons for this? Also, I have these persistent dark spots on my toes that I've struggled with since my days on the runway. Despite my efforts, nothing has succeeded in lightening or diminishing their appearance. I'm just looking to determine if there might have been a factor from the past that could have contributed to these issues. I’m not sure what else to include, but I’m open to answering any questions you might have. Thank you for your attention! Best wishes from a worried soul!