OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns Regarding Head and Ear Issues Following an Injury

I'm a 15-year-old girl who stands 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 124 pounds. Lately, I've noticed occasional discomfort in my left ear, which tends to feel congested, accompanied by persistent headaches that affect both the front and back of my head, specifically triggered by any impact to my head. I'm not currently taking any medications, and I received a recommendation from a healthcare professional to consult a psychiatrist regarding a potential PTSD diagnosis, but I haven't pursued it yet, so it's not formally recognized. A couple of years ago, I endured a concussion during a rugby match that necessitated an emergency hospital visit. While making a tackle, I ended up on the ground and was struck in the head by a tall and robust player who fell onto me. I believe I was around 5'2" at that time and may have been playing in an older age group due to a shortage of players, though I'm not entirely certain. I have no recollection of the incident itself or what occurred afterward until I was discharged from the hospital, maybe an hour or two later, and even those memories are vague. According to my teammates and coaches, I collapsed after the game and appeared quite confused, struggling with my memory and talking somewhat incoherently. It's worth noting that I continued playing after that impact, as one teammate observed that I seemed off but unfortunately didn't report it to our coaches. The medical staff were concerned that I may have fractured my skull, but fortunately, that wasn't the case. After missing two weeks of school and suffering from vomiting the night of the injury, I returned to full contact rugby about a month later, though I was quite anxious about tackling again. Fast forward to about two years ago, I took up lacrosse and joined a co-ed under-17 box lacrosse team, which had a majority of male players. In my first season as a U15 player, I experienced a minor concussion, and I recently suffered another one that left me feeling ill for several days. I'm mentioning this because I now notice that whenever I receive even the slightest bump to my head, my left ear becomes clogged and has a sensation akin to having water trapped inside. This is often accompanied by a headache, but interestingly, I never experience these symptoms alongside a concussion. I usually don’t give it much thought until, while on a lengthy bike ride with friends, the same sensation occurred even though I hadn’t been struck in the head—though the trail was quite bumpy. Additionally, I experience significant dizziness when I stand up too quickly, often causing my vision to blur and making me a bit unsteady. Despite this, I stay well-hydrated (which is kind of surprising for a teenager), as I participate in multiple sports and have learned the importance of keeping hydrated. However, whenever I mention these concerns to my parents, their response is to drink more water and move on. I am planning to consult a doctor soon, but I wanted to gather some insights in the meantime since searching online hasn’t been particularly helpful.

Answers (1)

8/23/2025, 6:42:36 AM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your concerns. It’s understandable to feel worried about the symptoms you’re experiencing, especially given your history of concussions and the associated issues. Let's break down what you’re facing, address your concerns, and provide some actionable steps.

Summary of Key Points

1. You have a history of concussions, which can lead to ongoing symptoms like ear discomfort and headaches.
2. You’re experiencing ear congestion and headaches after head impacts, along with dizziness when standing up quickly.
3. You plan to see a doctor soon, which is an important next step.

Explanation

The symptoms you describe, including the sensation of ear congestion and headaches following mild impacts, may be linked to your past concussions. These symptoms can occur due to various reasons:

• Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This can cause a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear, which might be triggered by changes in pressure or minor head impacts.
• Post-Concussion Syndrome: After a concussion, some people experience ongoing headaches and sensitivity, which might not always be accompanied by symptoms typical of a concussion itself.
• Vestibular Issues: Your dizziness could be related to balance problems, which can arise after head injuries.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: The dizziness you experience when standing up quickly might indicate low blood pressure or another issue that can be easily addressed.

Actionable Next Steps

1. Keep a Symptom Log: Note when your ear congestion, headaches, and dizziness occur. Include details about any activities you were doing at the time and your hydration levels. This can help your doctor understand your symptoms better.

2. Monitor Triggering Situations: Pay attention to situations that provoke your symptoms, such as banging your head or rapid changes in position. Avoid high-impact activities that can pose a risk while you gather more information.

3. Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids, as dehydration can contribute to headaches and dizziness. Continue to prioritize hydration, especially during physical activities.

4. Practice Safe Movements: When you get up from a seated position, do so slowly to help manage dizziness. Consider gradually increasing your standing time before moving around.

5. Consult a Healthcare Professional: You mentioned planning to see a doctor. It’s crucial to communicate all of your symptoms, your history of concussions, and any concerns you have about PTSD. A healthcare provider can perform tests related to your dizziness and ear symptoms and may refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Remember, you're not alone in this, and your symptoms are valid. It’s great that you’re taking the initiative to seek help. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further clarification!