Hard Hit to My Head Yesterday - Should I Get it Checked?

Published: May 02, 2017
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Hello, I'm a girl, 17 I hit my head pretty hard yesterday and I'm wondering if I need to get checked. I was kind of swinging on this thing and then I accidentally turned over and hit the stone ground hard with the back of my head. It was kind of with a swing, the weight of my body sped me up. I haven't lost concsiousnees or experienced any serious simptoms, except it hurt at first and then in the evening when I went to sleep it started hurting again. Not really hurting, like heart pounding in my head. And I couldn't fall asleep for an hour or more (that happens to me sometimes). Today I've been feeling well but now I feel this heaviness in my head which I'm almost sure is connected, but maybe it's a normal effect for a hard hit. Do you think I should go get a scan? How big are the chances there's something serious? I just wish this hadn't happened...
Signed: Hard Hit to My Head Yesterday - Should I Get it Checked?

Dear Hard Hit to My Head Yesterday - Should I Get it Checked?,

One of the main concerns when someone hits their head badly is the possibility of a concussion. Since you had a bad hit to your head, your head has been hurting you and your sleep was interrupted, TeenHealthFX does suggest that you contact your doctor. Explain to your doctor (or his/her office staff) what happened so they can advise you on whether you should come in to see them right away or whether they want you to go to an urgent care center or emergency room.

Concussion Symptoms: 

Contrary to what many people believe, blacking out after a concussion is not common. The most common symptoms are headaches. Other symptoms include:

  • Dizziness and balance problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Concentration and memory problems
  • Feeling sluggish or foggy
  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Sleep problems

 

When to See the Doctor

When it comes to head injuries, you should see your doctor after a head injury if you have any of the symptoms listed above. You should see your doctor right away or go to the emergency room if you have bad headaches, repeated vomiting, difficulty using your arms or legs, or worsening sleepiness or confusion.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX

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