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I banged the top of my head last Wednesday on a piece of metal while standing up. It wasn't a particularly hard hit, no loss of consciousness or anything and I never felt nauseous or experienced any memory loss. The object I hit was able to move a bit when I hit it so there was some flex. Perhaps I have done too much reading on the subject, but I am a bit concerned about internal bleeding or something along those lines.I have no pain where the point of impact was, but I have been getting mild headaches. These have been more like tension headaches (around temples, ears) and my neck. But I have occasional neck issues for which I have had PT and I think it is just related to that. I have also been experiencing some pressure inside my ears.I would think after 4 days I would have more symptoms if something was seriously wrong. I'm guessing I would be able to differentiate between a headache due to internal bleeding and an intermittent headache that seems more outside the skull. Am I making something out of nothing?
Optional Information: Gender: MaleAge: 32
You've done a good job with research here.I agree that after 4 days -- your risk of any serious brain injury is very minimal.Serious brain injury would generally make itself known over the first 24 hours, even over the first 6 hours. Serious bleeding which would cause problems would certainly have caused symptoms (worsening headache, dizziness, lethargy, confusion, vomiting, numbness, weakness, etc) within hours.Mild headaches are completely normal after hitting your head. Ensuring that they don't worsen is important (because they shouldn't!)Bleeding inside the brain causing headaches would be associated with more symptoms that just headaches, like the ones mentioned above.
I have a hard time thinking that there is anything to really worry about. Most of the pain I am having at this point is most likely related to tension from the anxiety of wondering if I did any damage hitting my head, as well as the existing neck issues that can crop up.My company just switched insurance, very small company, and I'd hate to waste the resources of a CT scan for nothing. I'll just keep an eye on things and most likely forget about the whole thing within a week.There is a chance I'll have to fly in the near future for work. Any reason to be concerned there after any type of head injury?
If you are feeling fine (other than a mild headache) without any other neurologic symptoms -- there really is no reason for a CT scan at this point.And there wouldn't be any reason preventing you from flying either.
Experience: U.S. Physician/Surgeon in Neurosurgery