Concerned about Possible Head Injury After Hitting Head on Brick Wall
Age: 32, Gender: Female As a smoker, I find myself reluctant to share too many details about last night, but I experienced an unfortunate incident where I struck the back of my head forcefully against a brick wall while under the influence of alcohol. Today, I've been feeling persistent pain in that area, accompanied by a mild headache and tenderness at the impact site. While the discomfort is noticeable, it isn’t overwhelming; I can often forget about it when I’m engaged in other activities. To add to my concern, I noticed some traces of blood on my pillowcase this morning. The incident occurred around 9 PM, and currently, it's just after midnight the next day. I have been taking codeine to help manage the pain, but its effectiveness seems to be fading. I'm grappling with intense anxiety over my condition, which is making it difficult for me to relax enough to sleep.
Answers (1)
9/13/2025, 10:30:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious after such a concerning incident. Based on your description, you experienced a forceful head impact leading to pain, tenderness, and traces of blood. While many minor head injuries can resolve without complications, some symptoms warrant more immediate attention.
Explanation:
- Pain and Tenderness: These can be normal symptoms after a head injury, but the presence of blood, especially since it's not typical, may indicate a more serious injury.
- Headaches: A mild headache can also be common post-impact, but if it worsens or if you develop additional symptoms, it's essential to reassess your condition.
- Anxiety: It's normal to feel anxious after such an event, as our minds race with potential dangers.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms for the next few hours, specifically:
- Worsening headache
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or difficulty waking up
- Increased swelling or the presence of more blood
-
Pain Management: While codeine can help with pain, if it doesn't seem effective, consider:
- Switching to over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if not contraindicated for you.
- Avoid further alcohol or substances that may impair your judgment or mask symptoms.
-
Rest and Reduce Stress: Try to create a calm environment to help ease your anxiety, which can contribute to your discomfort. Consider practices like deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
-
Seek Immediate Attention If:
- You experience worsening symptoms, especially if you notice increasing confusion, significant drowsiness, or persistent bleeding.
- If the pain escalates or you encounter any new symptoms that are concerning.
Your well-being is important, so please be vigilant about any changes or worsening in your condition. Take care, and prioritize rest and symptom monitoring.
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