Is it normal to have some post-effects after a head injury?

Question

Hello doctor,

I recently got a minor head injury while playing football. I banged the back of my head while falling, and my CT (computer tomography) scan and vitals are clear. The doctor gave me painkillers for a few days for neck pain. But I am having all kinds of post-effects, which I read about, like heavy head, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

I had previous issues of gastritis and anxiety, which were gone. But after my head injury, I feel like it is back and worse. I am feeling so low and heavy. I went to see the doctors thrice, and they gave me IV (intravenous) fluids and medications for nausea but said nothing about anxiety or any other things.

Please guide me if it is normal. I took two weeks of complete rest, and now I have started going to work, but it is not getting better.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and understand your concern. I am sorry to hear about your head injury and the challenges you are facing during your recovery. What you are experiencing is not uncommon and may be indicative of post-concussion syndrome (PCS), a condition where concussion symptoms persist beyond the typical recovery period.

Understanding your symptoms:

Your symptoms, such as dizziness, nausea, fatigue, neck pain, and a resurgence of anxiety and depression, are consistent with post-concussion syndrome (PCS). These can arise even after a mild head injury and may overlap with your previous conditions. It is important to note that emotional and cognitive symptoms can be as debilitating as physical ones.

Many individuals with post-concussion syndrome (PCS) report feeling foggy, fatigued, or emotionally overwhelmed. While your CT (computed tomography) scan and vital signs were clear, PCS can still occur and may not be reflected in imaging tests. Symptoms can appear within the first seven to ten days post-injury and may last weeks to months; in some cases, they can persist for over a year.

Managing your recovery: Given your symptoms and the duration of your recovery, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended. This may include-

Physical therapy is necessary to address neck pain and improve balance.
Vestibular rehabilitation is needed, especially if you are experiencing dizziness or balance issues.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in managing anxiety, depression, and cognitive symptoms.
Sleep hygiene helps in improving sleep patterns and can aid in overall recovery.

Have a gradual return to activity. Avoid overexertion and increase activity levels slowly. It is also beneficial to monitor your symptoms using tools like the Rivermead post-concussion symptoms questionnaire to track changes over time.

When to seek further help: If your symptoms are not improving or are worsening, consider seeking care from a specialist in brain injury rehabilitation. They can provide a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs.

Encouragement:

Remember, recovery from a concussion is often non-linear. It is fine to have good days and bad days. With appropriate support and treatment, many individuals recover fully. Be patient with yourself and seek the care you need. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

I hope this answers your query.

Let me know if I need to assist you further.