OpenHealth Q&A

Mild Symptoms After a Head Injury: Should I Consult My Doctor?

Greetings and thanks for taking the time to read my post. * I am a 37-year-old woman. * My weight is approximately 165 pounds, and I stand 5 feet 9 inches tall. * Current medications include daily Symbicort for asthma and melatonin on rare occasions (about once a month) to assist with sleep. * I also smoke marijuana a few times each week, but have refrained from using it since my injury to avoid hindering my recovery. **Background:** * One week ago, on January 31, I had an accident where I tripped and struck my head against a doorframe late at night. Following this incident, I exhibited signs of confusion and slurred speech, prompting my partner to take me to the emergency room. There, a head CT scan was done, which the physician reported as normal with no significant issues. A nurse also checked for signs of a stroke, which were negative. * I received advice to limit my activities and to reduce exertion if any symptoms arose. I adhered to these recommendations, spending the past week primarily resting, eating, and sleeping. * I suspect I sustained a concussion, although I do not recall any doctor directly informing me of that diagnosis. * Curiously, I do not remember the moment I hit my head; I thought I recalled tripping, but I believed I caught myself before the fall, even though I developed a large bump on my head shortly afterward, leading to two black eyes a day or so later. At the hospital, I didn’t have any alarming symptoms upon my discharge—the initial confusion and slurred speech had resolved within hours. During this week, I have been cautious and have largely avoided any strenuous activity. Notably, I have experienced absolutely no headaches or confusion, which would raise concerns about a concussion. On Thursday, five days after my injury, I felt sufficiently well to meet a friend for lunch, but I noticed some dizziness at the café and struggled slightly to engage in conversation. The following day, which marked six days post-injury, I attended a work conference featuring speakers and presentations. However, while navigating a crowd, I felt quite dizzy and experienced mild nausea, leading me to leave early and head home. I do have a slight pain in my neck—it’s mild, around 1 out of 10 in intensity. My range of motion is unaffected, though it feels a bit tender. This discomfort did not exist during my hospital visit but started a few days later, possibly due to an awkward sleeping position rather than being related to my head injury. **My inquiry is this:** Are milder symptoms one week after a head trauma common, or should I consider making an appointment with my primary care doctor regarding my condition? If a slower recovery is typical and I simply need to allow more time for healing, I would prefer not to occupy a scheduling slot at the clinic. Conversely, I want to avoid potential complications—or post-concussion syndrome—and seek help if necessary. I genuinely appreciate any insights you can provide.

Answers (1)

2/8/2026, 12:30:35 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to be concerned about your symptoms following a head injury. Mild symptoms a week after trauma can be common, especially if you suspect a concussion, but it's important to monitor your recovery closely.

Explanation:

After a head injury, especially if there was confusion or slurred speech initially, symptoms can vary. While you’ve shown improvement and no significant concerns in your initial ER visit, symptoms such as dizziness and mild neck pain can occur as part of the recovery process. The dizziness, particularly in crowded or stimulating environments, is something often reported after concussions.

Even though you haven’t experienced severe symptoms like headaches or severe cognitive issues, managing your recovery is crucial to prevent complications such as post-concussion syndrome.

Next Steps:

1. Rest and Gradual Return to Activity: Continue to prioritize rest. Gradually reintroduce activities, avoiding those that could lead to falls or injuries. If dizziness occurs, it’s a sign to take a step back.

2. Hydration and Nutrition: Ensure you’re well-hydrated and eating balanced meals, which are essential for recovery.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes, especially dizziness, nausea, or confusion. This can help you identify if your symptoms are improving or worsening over time.

4. Limit Stimuli: If you find crowds overwhelming, consider limiting exposure to loud environments or situations that require significant attention until you feel completely better.

5. Consult Your Doctor if:

   • Dizziness worsens or continues significantly.
   • You develop any new symptoms like severe headaches, vision problems, or prolonged confusion.
   • The neck pain increases or limits basic movement.

It's okay to feel cautious about your health, and it’s wise to consult a healthcare professional if your symptoms do not improve or if you have any concerns about your recovery. Your well-being is important, and staying informed is key. Feel free to ask if you have further questions or need clarification!