Unusual Symptoms After Striking My Head
Greetings! On Friday, I enjoyed an outing with friends, where we indulged in some drinks and spent time at a nightclub. As I was exiting the venue, I accidentally collided with a wooden beam, hitting the left side of my forehead. Fortunately, the impact didn’t leave me with any significant distress—there was no fainting, nausea, or sensitivity to light, and my memory of the evening remains intact. The following day, I experienced a persistent headache, which prompted me to visit the emergency room that evening for precautionary measures. Medical staff noted a small swelling on my head, but I successfully passed all neurological assessments without issue. The doctor even remarked that my vision was sharper than his, leading them to conclude that a CT scan was unnecessary; they suggested I may have sustained a mild concussion. However, my anxiety regarding health issues has intensified. They provided me with a list of symptoms to monitor, and "blurred vision" was included. While my eyesight seems normal, I’ve noticed that when I close one eye, my left eye occasionally feels slightly off, and at times that sensation shifts to my right eye. This occurs primarily when I’m reading fine print, watching television, or observing distant objects, and generally, both eyes appear to function well. I've been obsessively analyzing this for over 12 hours. I also recall that during my last optometry visit, I was advised to get glasses for tasks requiring focus, such as gaming, but I never followed through with the prescription. I’ve not experienced any double vision, and aside from a bit of eye fatigue, my condition otherwise seems stable. Could it be possible that these vision issues have always existed but are now more prominent in my mind due to my heightened focus on them? I'm a 28-year-old male.
Answers (1)
7/27/2025, 4:20:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some understandable anxiety and concern following your recent head injury. It's good to hear that you did not have serious symptoms and that you were cleared by medical staff after your visit to the emergency room. Your main worries seem to center around your persistent headache and the occasional sensation of visual discomfort, particularly after your the collision with the wooden beam and the resulting anxiety.
Explanation
Given that your neurological assessments were normal and you have not experienced severe symptoms, it is possible that what you're feeling could be related to a mild concussion or simply heightened awareness of existing visual issues. Stress and anxiety can certainly exacerbate physical sensations, including headaches and visual discomfort.
Since you’ve also mentioned that you have a previous prescription for glasses which you haven’t followed up on, it could be beneficial to consider how that might play into your current symptoms. Vision problems, even minor ones, can contribute to headaches, especially if you are straining your eyes to read or focus.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: While you continue to keep an eye on your symptoms, stay mindful of any new developments such as worsening headaches, persistent visual changes, or other concerning signs like dizziness or new neurological symptoms.
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Visual Check: Schedule an appointment with an eye care professional to address both the existing prescription for glasses and to have your eyes evaluated for any changes since your last visit. Proper eyewear could significantly reduce visual strain and headaches if you need them for tasks requiring focus.
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Manage Headaches: Make sure you’re staying hydrated, resting adequately, and managing any stress or anxiety. You might find that relaxation techniques, like deep breathing or gentle stretching, help alleviate tension headaches.
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Limit Caffeine and Screen Time: It might help to limit your caffeine intake and take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye fatigue, especially since you mentioned that reading and watching TV can exacerbate the sensations you're feeling.
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Mindfulness Practice: Finally, consider engaging in mindfulness or relaxation exercises to help reduce anxiety about your health. Being aware of your thoughts can sometimes lessen their intensity and help you find a degree of calm.
If your symptoms persist or worsen, consider re-evaluating your situation with a health professional for further guidance. Remember, it's understandable to feel anxious after an injury, and you're doing well by seeking clarity on how to manage your symptoms.
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