OpenHealth Q&A

Consequences of a Severe Head Injury from a Bicycle Accident at a Young Age

At the age of 32, I find myself grappling with the long-term effects of a severe head injury sustained during my youth. Allow me to share my experience: I am a 32-year-old woman, a vaper who does not smoke cigarettes, enjoys the occasional drink, weighs 122 lbs, stands at 5'6", and I have never used drugs. Back when I was 15, I was a dedicated student, excelling academically with straight A’s. I was highly involved and had an intense focus on my goals. My daily routine included an energetic hour-long jog each morning before school, followed by biking in the afternoons. I spent countless hours immersed in my passion for sketching, even managing to showcase my portraits in galleries. Then came the accident that changed everything. On that fateful day, I neglected to wear a helmet as it was twilight when I lost control. Descending from a steep hill, I pedaled vigorously, momentarily letting go of the handlebars to switch a song on my iPod—obsessed with the over-ear headphones a friend had given me. In an instant, I was fixated on a bus stop pole, and before I knew it, I had flown over 30 feet, landing headfirst. The aftermath was gruesome. My family later recounted that blood poured from my head in torrents, flowing down the gutter and staining it for years. At the hospital, I was in such dire condition that blood sprayed onto the doctor and my relatives while he stitched my wounds—over 25 stitches in total. The deformation of my skull remains evident to this day, with remnants of the traumatic experience lingering for nearly a decade. During my time in the hospital, I lost a significant amount of blood, rendering me unable to sit up without becoming faint. Attempts to rise for the restroom resulted in episodes of losing consciousness, waking only to find myself back in the hospital bed. This ordeal lasted for over a month. I underwent an MRI to evaluate any potential brain damage, which required my parents to sign a waiver before the procedure. Fortunately, the results indicated no brain damage; however, I have felt a lasting impact from that day, ultimately dropping out of school shortly afterward. Focusing on any task was nearly impossible, and my once-flourishing talent for sketching dwindled to nothing. My world has felt as though it fell apart since that incident. Could it be possible that some brain damage occurred, undetected? The hospital in my small town was less than adequate, and my head, swollen to nearly thrice its normal size, was wrapped in blood-soaked gauze. It is hard to accept that I didn’t suffer at least a traumatic brain injury. How can I pursue further testing now, approximately 15 years post-accident? It feels as if this vital aspect of my medical history has been overlooked and I wonder if it is even recorded anywhere. Living in British Columbia, Canada, I still carry the marks of this injury on my head, which continues to be noticeably disfigured.

Answers (1)

2/4/2026, 11:20:40 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your experience with such detail. It sounds like your past head injury has significantly impacted your life, and it's understandable to seek clarity and support regarding any potential long-term effects.

Main Points:

• Your history of a severe head injury may have lasting effects, even if initial testing showed no brain damage.
• It's essential to pursue further evaluation and understand available options for cognitive and psychological health assessments.

Explanation:

Head injuries like the one you experienced can lead to a range of long-term physical and psychological effects, even if no immediate brain damage was detected. Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, changes in mood, and decreased cognitive function can arise long after the physical injury. Some effects may not be apparent until later in life, and they can be subtle.

Since you've been feeling these lingering effects, it's completely valid to seek further investigation into your brain health. Advances in technology and testing since your accident may offer new insights that weren't available at that time.

Next Steps:

1. Consult a Neurologist: Find a neurologist who specializes in brain injuries or traumatic brain injury (TBI). They can offer a thorough evaluation, which may include advanced imaging techniques and cognitive assessments.

2. Cognitive Testing: Request formal cognitive testing to evaluate your memory, attention, and other cognitive functions. This can help establish a clearer picture of how your accident may have affected your brain.

3. Medical Records Review: If possible, obtain your medical records from the time of your injury, including the MRI results and any notes from your hospital stay. Understanding what was documented can be crucial for your current assessments.

4. Therapies for Recovery: Consider therapies that can help with cognitive and emotional recovery. Occupational therapy can assist with cognitive exercises, while counseling or therapy can provide support for emotional challenges.

5. Document Your Experience: Keep a journal of your symptoms, changes in mood, and how your daily life is affected. This can be helpful information for your healthcare provider.

If you have further concerns or questions, feel free to ask. You're taking important steps in pursuing the care you deserve, and I’m here to support you in this journey.