I Hit My Head—Should I Be Worried?
This is an unusual situation for me, and I'm unsure how to proceed. (Female, 17, generally in good health but prone to health-related anxiety.) Just yesterday morning, my sister inadvertently pushed me, and before I could react, the left side of my head (not my temple) collided with a rounded shelf. The impact wasn’t too hard, but it did cause some pain, which subsided fairly quickly. I had a restful night and feel mostly okay, though the spot where I struck my head remains tender to the touch and even when I’m not touching it. Thankfully, there’s no visible bruise. In fact, I managed to take an 11 km walk today (I had my reasons), and overall I felt fine, despite experiencing a brief moment of nausea earlier that lasted just a few minutes. Occasionally, the area around the impact site also seems to hurt. Should I be concerned about this or is it safe to skip a doctor’s visit? My mother isn’t particularly enthusiastic about the idea of seeking medical advice.
Answers (1)
7/26/2025, 5:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned after hitting your head, especially since you have health-related anxiety. Based on what you've shared, your symptoms suggest that while the injury might not be severe, it's essential to monitor your condition closely.
Explanation:
When you hit your head, there are a few potential outcomes, ranging from mild tenderness to more serious issues that could arise. The fact that your pain is subsiding and you managed to engage in physical activity like walking is positive, but tenderness and a brief episode of nausea could indicate that your body is reacting to the impact.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in your symptoms over the next few days. Key things to watch for include:
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Increased nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Changes in vision
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
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Rest: Although you feel fine overall, ensure that you get plenty of rest. Avoid strenuous activities or sports until you feel completely normal for at least a few days.
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Ice the Area: To help with any residual tenderness, consider applying a cold pack wrapped in a cloth to the impact site for about 15-20 minutes every couple of hours.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially after episodes of nausea, to help your body recover.
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Reassess if Needed: If you notice any concerning symptoms from the monitoring step, or if the tenderness or nausea doesn’t resolve in a reasonable time (like a week), seeking medical attention would be wise, regardless of how your mother feels about it.
If you have any worries at all or your anxiety increases, don't hesitate to discuss your concerns with a trusted adult or health professional. Your well-being is what matters most.
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