Concerns About Potential Chronic Hematoma
Greetings everyone! I’m a 19-year-old male weighing 160 pounds and I’m feeling anxious about possibly having a chronic hematoma. This worry arose after I sustained a concussion last week from a forceful golf club swing that struck my head. The healthcare professional I consulted indicated that my concussion is mild. However, I’ve come across information suggesting that medical experts might not fully understand concussions well. While my symptoms appeared to improve, I have experienced more severe headaches yesterday and today. Additionally, I briefly perceived yellow spots that weren't present before. My primary fear is that I could be dealing with a brain hemorrhage. Should I be alarmed? Is it advisable for me to visit the emergency room? I appreciate any guidance on this matter.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 7:30:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your symptoms after a concussion, especially with new headaches and visual changes. Let's break down your situation into manageable parts.
Key Points:
- Mild Concussion Evaluation: While you have been assessed with a mild concussion, it’s crucial to monitor any changes, like worsening headaches or new symptoms.
- Symptom Monitoring: The presence of severe headaches and visual disturbances (like seeing yellow spots) could require further evaluation.
Explanation:
A concussion, even mild, can sometimes lead to complications such as a hematoma (a collection of blood) or intracranial bleeding, especially if symptoms change or worsen. Though not every case leads to serious issues, your described symptoms—specifically the increased severity of headaches and the appearance of visual disturbances—are notable and concerning.
Action Steps:
-
Urgent Symptoms: Because you've reported worsening headaches and new visual symptoms, these should be taken seriously. It's advisable to seek immediate medical attention as these could be indications of complications related to your concussion.
-
Emergency Room Visit: Head to the emergency room if:
- Your headaches become intense and unmanageable.
- You experience persistent visual disturbances (like the yellow spots you mentioned).
- You have any weakness, confusion, nausea/vomiting, or any other significant changes in your condition.
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: If you are waiting to go to the emergency room, keep track of your symptoms. Note any changes in headache intensity, visual symptoms, or other physical changes. This information will be helpful for healthcare providers when assessing your condition.
Reassurance:
It's good that you reached out about your concerns. Being proactive and attentive to your health is crucial. Focus on seeking help right away for your worsening symptoms, and remember that medical professionals are equipped to address these types of concerns effectively.
Related Questions
Inquiry Regarding Pathology Report
Subject: Inquiry Regarding Pathology Report Diagnosis Summary: A. Right lobe of the thyroid and isthmus following a hemithyroidectomy: 1. Classic subtype of papillary thyroid carcinoma, measuring 1.3 cm, with narrow margins – refer to additional comment. 2. Presence of follicular nodular disease. B. Results from right central neck dissection: 1. Detection of metastatic papillary thyroid carcinoma in five out of ten lymph nodes (5/10). 2. Identification of benign thymic tissue. 3. Parathyroid tissue noted (1). After reviewing my pathology report, my physician advised a watchful waiting approach. I have several concerns: Why did the ultrasound fail to indicate any lymph node involvement? How can he justify a wait-and-see strategy if it wasn't revealed in the ultrasound results? What symptoms should I monitor to know if my lymph nodes are affected? Initially, I requested a complete thyroidectomy, but my doctor recommended against it due to heightened risks associated with the procedure. The prospect of just waiting is quite unsettling. Although this cancer type is known for slow growth, what are the chances that I might require another surgery in my situation? Would it be prudent to seek a second opinion or advocate for a total thyroidectomy?
Concern Over Facial Lesions
I am a 34-year-old male, weighing 250 pounds. I do not smoke and consume alcohol occasionally. My daily medication includes chlorthalidone at a dosage of 25 MG. Lately, I have noticed some bumps appearing on my face, predominantly on the left side, but they are starting to spread to my forehead and the right side as well. I am seeking an appointment with a dermatologist in the near future. Should I be worried about these lesions? Is there anything I can do to prevent their further spread?
Are These Fractures Identical?
A 71-year-old woman presents with multiple health concerns, including a history of sick sinus syndrome managed by a pacemaker, rheumatoid arthritis, carefully controlled asthma, and osteopenia, for which she receives Prolia injections. She has also undergone various surgeries on her joints and is currently on a regimen that includes Celebrex, diltiazem, Singulair, Incruse, Dupixent, aspirin, famotidine, calcium with vitamin D3, and Rinvoq. At the end of May, she began experiencing swelling in her right ankle and consulted a podiatrist. X-rays revealed only signs of arthritis, with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis and a cortisone injection that provided temporary relief for two days. Due to persistent tenderness in the heel, a CT scan was ordered. The scan results indicated a vertical fracture on the inner side of the calcaneus, affecting the middle subalar facet. She was fitted with a fracture boot and instructed to avoid putting weight on the injured foot until her follow-up appointment in August. At that time, she was cleared to start bearing weight while still wearing the boot. During a recent check-up, some swelling in the ankle was noted, prompting another CT scan. This new scan revealed a diagnosis of a chronic, unhealed fracture of the sustentaculum tali in relation to the middle facet of the subalar joint. This raises a question: Is this the same fracture that was previously identified, or has the radiologist merely articulated it in a different manner? Her physician is currently on vacation and is not expected to return until next week, leaving her without clarity for the moment.
Is a Contrast MRI Necessary in My Case?
I am a 22-year-old female, standing at 5’5” and weighing 40 kg. I’m of Ukrainian descent and do not smoke. Since April 2024, my health has been on a decline, starting with balance issues. I have recently been diagnosed with several conditions, including epilepsy, autoimmune thyroid disorder, and dysautonomia. To manage these conditions, I have been prescribed Keppra along with medication to support my thyroid, as well as vitamins B and D, magnesium, and selenium. However, it has been indicated that my symptoms may not be related to these diagnoses. At this stage, I have consulted multiple neurologists, each offering varied theories regarding my health issues. My primary concerns include difficulties with walking and maintaining balance, frequent fatigue, irritability, extreme sensitivity in my eyes, unsettling spasms in my abdominal area (which feel like my muscles are seizing and blood is being restricted), and fluctuating pain experienced throughout my body. To provide more context: - My eyes often feel as if they are under pressure from within, leading to prolonged discomfort and migraines. - I struggle to lift my legs, which were evaluated through electromyography with normal results. - Walking straight is challenging; I often veer uncontrollably to the left. - At times, I feel limited in my control over my lower body, resulting in a sensation of wobbliness. - Pain generally occurs in my feet, legs, pelvic region, middle section of my spine, fingers, and hands. This pain can vary from sharp to dull and I also experience odd sensations around my ribs. - The spasms in my stomach are unusual and hard to articulate; it feels as though there is a painful connection between my stomach and spine. The only temporary relief I find is by lying on my stomach, though the discomfort persists, making breathing difficult. - My irritability often manifests as tears and an overwhelming sense of empathy, leading to emotional fluctuations where I feel either intense self-loathing or an urge to cry incessantly for the suffering of others. One neurologist examined my spine and raised the possibility of MS, recommending both brain and spinal MRIs. However, she did not mention the use of contrast, so the spinal MRI was conducted without it, revealing herniations and protrusions. Subsequently, another doctor recommended a brain MRI with contrast, which identified only a Rathke’s cleft cyst. Now, I am left pondering whether I should have the spinal MRI redone with contrast. Might this provide additional insights? I feel lost regarding the next steps to take in my health journey.
Concern for My Grandmother's Well-being
I apologize for the urgency in this message, but my family and I are in dire need of clarification that we haven’t been able to find in our own research or from our doctors. Last month, my grandmother suffered a stroke. Prior to this incident, she managed her daily needs fairly independently, enjoying foods like Oreos, donuts, chicken sandwiches, and pizza. However, since her stroke, her appetite has drastically diminished. Today, her intake consists solely of a couple of spoonfuls of ice cream to accompany her medication and some water. Weighing in at approximately 96 pounds, her small stature is becoming increasingly noticeable as she continues to eat so little. She seems to think that rest is all she needs, convinced she'll eventually wake up feeling hungry again. We’ve suggested she visit urgent care; although she has seen her doctor and received a referral for a throat scope, an appointment hasn't been set yet. During my recent visit from Monday to Tuesday night, I barely heard her speak more than six words throughout the day. She merely requested her Tylenol and muscle relaxers to help her sleep, but unfortunately, she vomited everything. Her eyes appear dull and glazed, a stark contrast to their usual vibrancy. Her medication regime includes three T3s twice daily (with occasional extra doses), which seem to primarily assist her sleep during these past weeks. Additionally, she takes Amitriptyline at night, Lorazepam twice a day, Crestor with dinner, a blood thinner in the morning, calcium carbonate in the morning, and a muscle relaxer one or two times a day. Recently, she discontinued her blood pressure medication after her readings plummeted from very high to alarmingly low. I can’t shake the feeling that she is nearing the end. She’s resistant to external assistance, genuinely believing that she will miraculously recover soon. On Tuesday night, she asked us to leave, instructing my mother to contact the doctor. It was then that my mother discovered she had been referred for hospice care. Are we being overly dramatic about her condition and feeling the need to spend every moment we can with her? Is there a chance she could recover? What should families do in these heart-wrenching situations? At only 74 years old, she had aspirations of living to 200, and this situation is incredibly disheartening.