Bump on the Head from Months Ago
I'm a 20-year-old female, weighing around 125 pounds and standing about 5'6" tall. I do not have any medical conditions that would typically connect to this incident. On April 25, I smacked my head while standing up under a hanging pot rack, completely forgetting how close I was to it and the height of the steel pans dangling there. It hurt quite a bit because I stood up quickly, but thankfully, I didn't display any signs of a concussion at that time. My physician is aware of my significant anxiety surrounding health matters, which might explain her lack of concern following the incident, especially considering I showed no immediate symptoms. However, since then, the area on my head where I hit it has felt somewhat sensitive, although I’m not sure that’s the best term to describe it. While at work recently, I accidentally grazed that tender spot while adjusting my hair, and it caused a more noticeable pain compared to the mild tenderness I experienced earlier. Additionally, in mid-June, I noticed the onset of tinnitus in my left ear, which I mention because I'm uncertain if it could be linked to the head bump. My doctor prescribed propranolol to help alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, yet the tinnitus persists. On a side note, I’ve also been experiencing an increased awareness of a sensation known as “frisson” since the incident, although this doesn’t worry me as much. I've already contacted my doctor but will need to wait a day for a response, so I’m curious to hear your thoughts! :D
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 3:31:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned after experiencing a head injury, especially with the new symptoms you've described. Here's a breakdown of the main points regarding your situation:
Main Points:
- Persistent sensitivity at the site of the injury may be related to the initial bump.
- Tinnitus could have multiple causes and might or might not be linked to your previous head injury.
- Increased sensations of "frisson" are generally not concerning but should be monitored.
Explanation: After a head injury, it's common for the area to remain sensitive for some time. This could be due to bruising or minor nerve irritation, particularly if touching the spot causes increased pain. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, can sometimes develop following a head injury, but it can also be triggered by stress, anxiety, or other factors unrelated to the bump. It’s good to hear that you are in contact with your healthcare provider about your symptoms, as they can provide personalized insights.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Sensitivity: Keep track of any changes in the sensitivity of the bump—note if it becomes more painful, changes in color, or develops unusual swelling.
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Tinnitus Management: Since the tinnitus persists, try to minimize potential irritants. Reduce exposure to loud noises, and consider using ambient noise or white noise to help lessen awareness of the ringing when it’s bothersome.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a log of all your symptoms, including timing, intensity, and triggers for the sensitivity and tinnitus. This will be helpful information for your doctor when you discuss your symptoms.
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Relaxation Techniques: Since you mentioned anxiety, consider practicing mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to help with stress, which may affect both your sensitivity and tinnitus.
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Follow Up with Your Doctor: Once you receive a response from your doctor, share your symptom log. It may be beneficial to discuss potential further evaluation or management tactics, especially for the tinnitus if it's bothering you.
Stay attentive to your body, reach out for support if anxiety increases, and ensure you're gathering comprehensive information to share with your doctor. You're doing a great job in advocating for your health!
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