Serious Head Impact on Concrete
I’m a 19-year-old female residing in the UK. Last Thursday night, I indulged a bit too much at a gathering. While I was walking back with friends to their place, I tripped and hit my head quite hard against the concrete—possibly twice. Initially, I didn't realize the extent of my injury and felt alright when we arrived at my friend's house. I stayed there for about an hour before heading home and relaxing until I fell asleep. I understand it's generally advised against sleeping after a head injury, but I returned at 2 AM; the incident occurred around 11:30 PM, and I finally went to bed between 5 and 6 AM. The following morning, I awoke with the typical effects of a hangover, but the side of my head was in significant pain. When I tried to fix my hair, even the slightest touch was unbearable. Laying my head on the pillow sent sharp pain shooting through me. I examined it and noticed that the area is quite red. I've taken ibuprofen, yet there hasn't been much relief. I even applied a cold vegetable bag, but it hasn't improved. Now, I’m contemplating whether I should visit the hospital tomorrow or continue to apply cold compresses. Please let me know what you think! It’s currently 3:50 AM as I write this, and the redness on the side of my head persists. It’s hard to describe the sensation, but it feels like there’s a pulsing, which is rather unpleasant. I’ve been sleeping soundly and managing to go to work, but I'm uncertain if a hospital visit is warranted; I’m just seeking some advice. :)
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 4:00:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you experienced a significant head injury, and I'm glad you're reaching out for guidance. Given your symptoms—pain at the injury site, redness, and a pulsing sensation—it's important to be cautious.
Main Points:
- Monitor for Red Flags: Your symptoms may suggest a need for medical evaluation.
- Immediate Actions: Pay attention to new or worsening symptoms.
Explanation:
Head injuries can sometimes lead to complications, including concussions or other types of brain injury. The fact that you experienced significant pain, especially with pressure on the area, can indicate that the injury is serious, even if you initially felt okay. The redness and pulsing could also suggest swelling or irritation.
Next Steps:
-
Assess for Concerning Symptoms: If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention immediately:
- Severe headache that worsens.
- Confusion or difficulty waking up.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Seizures.
- Increasing weakness or numbness in any part of your body.
-
Keep Monitoring Your Condition: If your symptoms remain manageable and you do not develop any concerning symptoms, consider visiting a healthcare provider for an evaluation by tomorrow. It’s vital to address the injury, particularly because of the mechanism and the symptoms you're experiencing.
-
Continue to Use Cold Compresses: Applying a cold compress can help reduce swelling and pain at the site. Make sure not to apply ice directly to the skin—wrap it in a cloth.
-
Avoid Strenuous Activity: Until a healthcare professional assesses your condition, limit physical activity to prevent any risk of aggravating an unseen injury.
Given the nature of your symptoms and the importance of ensuring present neurological health, erring on the side of caution is wise. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if anything worsens. Take care of yourself!
Related Questions
Persistent Wrist Pain After Computer Use
At 30 years old, weighing 120 kg and standing 186 cm tall, I lead a healthy life without any significant medical issues or medication. Additionally, I do not smoke. Recently, I spent a few hours using my laptop in an awkward posture, and it resulted in wrist discomfort. Days have passed since that incident, and despite avoiding the same position, the pain in my wrist remains. The discomfort intensifies with movement, although there's also a slight ache even when at rest. What steps can I take to alleviate this issue?
Inability to Move My Arm
Standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, I am a 16-year-old female weighing 197 pounds. On Thursday, I hit the gym for a rigorous 40-minute arm workout. While I anticipated some soreness in my arms the following day, I was caught off guard by the intensity of my discomfort. Today, I woke up to find that my left arm is nearly immobile. The pain radiates sharply from my inner elbow, stretching about halfway up my bicep. Attempting to move my arm brings me to tears due to the searing pain. Unfortunately, the situation has only deteriorated as the hours pass. I plan to visit urgent care shortly. What might be causing this?
Injury from Broken Glass
Greetings! A few hours ago, I accidentally cut my hand on a shard of wine glass that was in my trash bin. Initially, the bleeding ceased after applying steady pressure for about ten minutes; however, it resumed after I took a quick shower. I'm uncertain whether I require stitches, so I thought I would seek advice here. I attempted to provide clear views of the injury; I've included two images with my finger extended, two more with it bent, and one showing the palm side when my finger is bent, to illustrate how the skin flexes. Thank you for your assistance! Also, for your reference, I'm a 20-year-old female (transmale, using he/him pronouns).
Seeking Clarity on My Wife's Tragic Accident
Hello, healthcare professionals. I am reaching out with a heavy heart, seeking clarity on the unfortunate incident that led to my wife's untimely demise. She was only 29 years old and worked as a doctor, and she lost her life in a scooter accident while on her way to work. **Accident Overview:** According to the report provided by the police, my wife was struck by a speeding vehicle that aggressively cut her off, causing impact at the left rear section of her scooter. It's important to note that this occurred in India, where vehicles drive on the left side of the road. Even though she had a helmet on, she sustained severe head injuries and tragically succumbed at the scene. While I understand that no amount of information can bring her back, I am desperate to know whether her passing involved suffering or if it was a quick transition. Here’s a summary of the injuries noted in her post-mortem report: |Injury Location|Description| |:-|:-| |**Head and Face**|Blood was present in her ear, nose, and mouth. There was a reddish bruise measuring 3x3x1cm on the right side of her scalp. Underneath this bruise, a depressed fracture was visible in the right temporal bone, and her pupils were dilated.| |**Brain and Meninges**|The dura mater had a tear in the right temporal area. There was a contusion in the right temporal lobe accompanied by slight subarachnoid bleeding. Additionally, there was minor subarachnoid bleeding observed in the left parietal lobe.| |**Neck and Throat**|Both the larynx and trachea contained aspirated blood, which was also noted in the trachea and bronchial tubes.| |**Chest**|Fractures were found in the right 3rd and 4th ribs along the mid-clavicular line.| |**Skin Injuries**|On her right shoulder, there was a 2x2cm reddish abrasion. A 6x5cm reddish abrasion was found on her right elbow, a 1x1cm region on her right knuckles, a 4x2cm abrasion on her right knee, and a 5x2cm abrasion on her left knee.| |**Internal Injuries**|Blood was present in the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus, while the stomach contained 10ml of blood-stained fluids.| I am grappling with the question of whether she experienced pain during her final moments. Did she have any awareness of her surroundings, or did her life end rapidly? I seek frank responses regarding her experience before her passing. Please, no sugarcoating. Rest assured, I am prepared for any information, as I am currently undergoing both psychiatric and psychological support. I simply wish to know what truly transpired. If there’s anything specific that you need from me to assist in your appraisals, please feel free to reach out in the comments. I just want to uncover the truth.
Injury from a Fall
A 44-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 2 inches and weighing 111 pounds, has no pre-existing medical conditions. Recently, I experienced a mishap two days ago while wearing platform crocs that led to a fall on a tiled surface. In my instinctive reaction, I landed on my palm. Although I can still move and utilize my hand as usual, I’ve noticed significant swelling and considerable pain in the soft area just below the thumb joint. Moreover, when I apply pressure to this spot, I experience a sharp, pinching sensation radiating up my arm. On several occasions, my thumb has also felt momentarily numb but returns to its normal state shortly thereafter. Should I simply allow more time for recovery? I’d prefer to avoid wasting anyone's time if all that’s required is a few days of rest. I appreciate your assistance!