OpenHealth Q&A

Could My Head Injury Indicate a Brain Hemorrhage?

I am a 25-year-old male, 189 cm tall, weighing 75 kg, and I am not currently on any medication. Two weeks ago, on the 19th of January, I had an accident while bending down to pick up my shoes from the floor. I stood up quickly and accidentally struck my head against a metal door handle, which I felt quite intensely. The area where I hit my head hurt for about 1 to 3 minutes, prompting me to apply pressure to the site, located on the upper left side, slightly toward the back. Fortunately, the pain diminished after that initial period. I did not lose consciousness, nor did I experience any nausea or vomiting. The following morning, I woke up with a mild headache. On January 22nd, I visited my general practitioner to discuss my headache and the incident. She conducted an examination of my head, palpating various areas to assess any pain, which I did not feel. She noted the absence of swelling or bruising and suggested that my symptoms were likely indicative of a bruise. She prescribed Metamizole to be taken for ten days and recommended rest. Subsequently, I began to feel intermittent dizziness, ranging from slight to moderate. On the 28th, I returned to my GP to report the new symptom. She inquired if the dizziness was a constant issue or sporadic. I was uncertain but mentioned that it occurred sporadically and lasted just a few minutes each time. She then performed an eye examination, asking me to track movements in various directions. Following that, I was instructed to close my eyes and touch the tip of my nose with my finger, alternating hands. The final test involved walking forward with my legs crossed while maintaining eye contact with her. She confirmed that my neurological evaluations were satisfactory and advised me to rest for another three days while avoiding sudden head movements. She also mentioned that should my symptoms persist by the coming Monday, she would refer me for an MRI. The next day, on January 29th, I noted an increase in my dizziness, which lingered throughout the day. While it was not a spinning sensation, the dizziness was now constant, marking a significant change from before. I also felt an increased level of fatigue during this time, despite having restful sleep. On Monday, February 2nd, I consulted my GP once more. She repeated the neurological tests, which again yielded good results. I have now arranged for a head MRI this Friday. My concern is whether this incident could indicate a serious condition, such as a brain bleed, and if it is safe for me to wait until Friday for the MRI examination.

Answers (1)

2/3/2026, 9:30:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

Your situation, particularly the concerns about potential brain hemorrhage after your head injury, is understandably distressing. Given that you are experiencing persistent dizziness and fatigue, it’s good that you have arranged for an MRI, which is a vital step in assessing any potential issues.

Main Points:

1. Your head trauma's symptoms (dizziness and fatigue) are worth monitoring closely.
2. The MRI scheduled for Friday is prudent given the recent changes in your symptoms.
3. Serious conditions, such as brain bleeding, are less likely but should not be dismissed.

Explanation:

You experienced a head injury two weeks ago, followed by initial discomfort and subsequent mild headaches. Generally, after a minor head trauma, it is not uncommon to have headaches or minor dizziness as your brain heals. However, your recent increase in dizziness and fatigue, especially as it has become constant, can indicate that further evaluation is warranted—hence the MRI your doctor scheduled.

While significant concerns about brain hemorrhage (bleeding) are more probable when there are symptoms like loss of consciousness, severe headache, or neurological deficits (which you have not reported), it is always better to err on the side of caution. The fact that your GP has noted satisfactory neurological evaluations is reassuring, but the persistence of your symptoms does warrant further investigation.

Next Steps:

1. Wait for the MRI: Since you have an MRI scheduled for this Friday, it is appropriate to proceed with this. The MRI will provide detailed imaging to assess for any structural issues including bleeding.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms leading up to the MRI. Note any changes in the severity or frequency of dizziness, fatigue, or any new symptoms. This information will be valuable to your healthcare provider.

3. Limit Activities: Avoid any high-risk activities, especially those that could result in another head injury. Rest as much as possible to aid your recovery.

4. Seek Immediate Care if Necessary: If you experience any new concerning symptoms such as severe headaches, vomiting, inability to maintain balance, confusion, or weakness, seek medical attention immediately.

5. Stay Hydrated and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting sufficient rest, as fatigue can worsen your symptoms.

Your situation will be clearer after the MRI results. In the meantime, take care of yourself, and reassure yourself that you are seeking the necessary medical attention.