Concerns After a Flag Accident
Hello, I’m an 18-year-old female involved in college color guard, and I’m reaching out because I’ve been trying to gather information that hasn’t been easy to find. I tend to be quite accident-prone, often hitting my head with my flag during practice. Just a few days ago, while attempting a 45 toss, I accidentally struck my head but didn’t experience any signs of a concussion, so I felt reassured. However, today brought about a new incident when I performed a throwaway; I unintentionally slammed the flag onto my head forcefully. Although I didn’t black out, I felt a mix of surprise and annoyance, yet I completed my run without pause. Initially, I thought I might have caused a small dent in my scalp, but after about half an hour, it seemed to return to normal. There was a moment of nausea, and I felt a slight urge to vomit, but I’m uncertain if this was due to the impact or just my anxiety (which often flares up regarding health concerns, especially about concussions or brain bleeds, as color guard can be hazardous). One of my teammates mentioned hearing a loud noise when I hit my head, which elevated my concern. Currently, I have a bit of discomfort in my head as I write this (the incident occurred only about an hour ago), and I still feel somewhat nauseous. I suspect it might be largely tied to my anxiety, plus I haven’t had water in a while. Since I don’t have access to a car right now, I can’t visit a hospital. Should I just keep an eye on my symptoms? The idea of going to sleep without waking up terrifies me; brain bleeds and concussions top my list of fears. I would appreciate any guidance you can offer.
Answers (1)
8/13/2025, 7:40:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious after hitting your head, especially given your recent experiences and concerns about concussions. Thankfully, it sounds like you've been attentive to your symptoms. Here's a breakdown of your situation and some actionable steps you can take right now:
Main Points
- You experienced a head impact from your flag but did not lose consciousness.
- You felt some nausea and discomfort, which could be linked to anxiety or the impact.
- Monitor your symptoms, but there are important steps you can take to feel more secure.
Explanation
Head injuries can range from mild to severe, and while it's reassuring that you didn't lose consciousness or exhibit significant signs of a concussion (like confusion or persistent vomiting), it's still important to monitor how you feel. The fact that you felt nausea and discomfort could either be a reaction to the impact or due to anxiety. Given that you've had similar accidents before, your body might be reacting to the stress of the situation as well.
Prioritized Next Steps
- Hydration: Since you mentioned not having had water for a while, drink a glass of water to help with your nausea and discomfort.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: Pay close attention to your symptoms over the next few hours. Look out for signs like:
- Severe or worsening headache
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Confusion or inability to stay awake
- Rest and Relaxation: Try to relax your mind and body. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and take slow, deep breaths to ease anxiety.
- Sleep Considerations: It's normal to worry about sleeping after a head injury, but if you feel stable, it's generally safe to sleep. Set an alarm to wake up periodically (e.g., every 2-3 hours) to check in with how you feel.
- Follow-Up Actions: If your symptoms worsen or you develop any concerning new signs (like significant headache, confusion, or severe nausea), consider reaching out to a friend or teammate who can assist you in seeking medical help, even if that means going to an urgent care facility.
Reassurance
It's great that you're being proactive about your health, and while it's always wise to be cautious with head injuries, simple monitoring and self-care can often be sufficient in mild cases. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have further questions or concerns about your recovery!
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