OpenHealth Q&A

Is My Health Anxiety Causing Worry Over Symptoms?

Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old man with no medications. At this moment, my anxiety is at an all-time high, rating a solid 10 out of 10. I've been grappling with severe health anxiety, and currently, my primary concern revolves around the possibility of a brain bleed. This worry shifts to other issues every couple of weeks, but I’m seeking some input on my current situation. For many years, I have battled with health anxiety, often spending about 22 hours each day in my bedroom. Recently, I decided to make an effort to step outside and went out Friday night, where I consumed a few drinks. Unfortunately, on my way out of the club, I accidentally bumped the upper left side of my forehead against what I believe was a solid door frame or perhaps a wooden beam. I didn't lose consciousness, experience any vomiting, or show any immediate symptoms; in fact, I walked over a mile to the taxi station afterward and returned home. The following day, I noticed a small bruise with some tenderness in the area when raising my eyebrows, along with a persistent dull headache that prompted me to visit the emergency room for peace of mind. During my ER visit, the doctor conducted tests including an ECG, which yielded normal results, and my blood pressure was also stable. They performed a neurological examination – I walked in a straight line, read text from a distance, followed a finger with my gaze, and had my reflexes checked, all of which I passed. The medical team concluded that a CT scan was unnecessary and diagnosed me with a mild concussion, advising me to go home. Due to my anxiety, I've become acutely aware of various negative symptoms to watch for. One thing I've noticed is that when I close one eye and then switch to the other, the clarity seems slightly diminished, though not blurry or double vision. I visited an eye doctor last year, who suggested I might need glasses for activities like gaming, but I have yet to pick them up. Another symptom is a buzzing sensation at the back of my head, which I noticed after taking the advice to sit quietly in a dark room. I’m unsure if this sound was always present, as I hadn’t paid attention to it before, but now I feel hyper-aware of everything around me. I also feel somewhat off, although my headache has nearly subsided, and I haven’t experienced any vomiting or dizziness. Earlier, I took a walk to clear my head without any worsening symptoms. Could it be that my anxiety is amplifying my fears, and that there isn't a brain bleed? This incident occurred over 50 hours ago, and the doctor assured me that it was a minor injury when I was seen on Saturday night. I do not take any blood-thinning medications. I apologize for posting again, but I forgot to include the notes from my ER visit: - Patient presented after head injury this morning. - Impact occurred while exiting a nightclub onto a wooden beam. - No loss of consciousness, vomiting, retrograde amnesia, or seizures noted. - No blood-thinners taken. - Normal results from neurological examination. - No need for a CT scan. - Discharged with safety precautions and provided with a head injury leaflet.

Answers (1)

7/28/2025, 6:31:24 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel heightened anxiety, especially after an injury, but the evidence suggests that your concerns about a serious issue like a brain bleed are minimal based on the recent ER evaluation. Here's a breakdown of your situation and some supportive advice moving forward.

Key Points:

1. Your ER visit showed no signs of a serious brain injury.
2. Symptoms and sensations you are experiencing may be amplified by your ongoing anxiety.
3. Positive steps can help manage anxiety and monitor your symptoms.

Explanation:

You've been evaluated by medical professionals after your head injury, and they concluded there was no need for a CT scan, indicating they did not find alarming signs of a brain bleed or other severe complications. The mild concussion diagnosis and the normal neurological tests provide reassurance that your brain is functioning properly.

Your observations of clarity when closing one eye and the buzzing sensation could be related to your anxiety rather than a serious medical condition. Anxiety can cause hyper-awareness of physical sensations and even amplify normal, benign symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor Symptoms: Continue to keep track of your symptoms, noting if they change or worsen. For instance, if you experience severe headaches, confusion, weakness, or any new concerning signs (like vomiting), you should revisit a healthcare professional.

2. Practice Stress-Relief Techniques: Use calming strategies such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness meditation, or light physical activity (like your recent walk) to help manage anxiety levels. Gradually expose yourself to social settings in a comfortable manner to reduce feelings of isolation.

3. Seek Support: Consider reaching out to a mental health professional who specializes in anxiety management. They can provide tools and strategies tailored to your health anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective in helping individuals cope with health anxiety.

4. Follow Up on Vision Concerns: Since you noted possible issues with your eyesight, it might be beneficial to schedule an appointment for an eye exam to address those concerns and get any needed glasses.

5. Stay Informed, but Balanced: While it's important to stay informed about health matters, try to avoid excessive research or constant checking of symptoms, which can heighten anxiety.

Your feelings are valid, but you're taking the right steps toward recovery both physically and mentally. Please remember, managing health anxiety takes time and patience, and you are not alone in this journey.