Concussion?
 

5 days ago (25th), I struck a branch while biking (bike malfunctioned). It was a pretty serious blow right at the eyebrow level.

It was a right-on blow and it knocked me out of my seat. I didn't lose consciousness and I wasn't confused, I was just stunned a little bit for a couple of seconds, I got up, I made sure nothing was broken, I went back home & cleaned my wound (cuts on my face).

It was a pretty hard blow but I seemed okay and I didn't go to the doctor. I was completely fine for about 4-5 days after which I started feeling what seem like concussion/post-concussion symptoms. Slight dizziness, sometimes it's hard to focus my vision. I also sometimes feel pressure inside of my head and ears.

Basically, if I didn't hit that tree, I wouldn't worry about it at all. I've been feeling somewhat under the weather and I've felt exactly like this before -- just somewhat.."out of it".

I'm 20 and I haven't had any previous serious head injuries. At the time of the injury I might've had some alcohol left over in my system (I had a few beers at lunch but then didn't bike until about 3+ hours later) but I certainly wasn't "intoxicated".

In fact as I'm typing this, I'm starting to feel a lot better :S


Do you think I might've gotten a concussion and these are just the after-effects? or maybe it's something more serious? This is the second day I'm feeling somewhat dizzy, but I wouldn't say it's worse than yesterday...maybe it's just stress.

I was thinking of going to the walk-in clinic tonight and seeing maybe i should go to a neurologist & get a CT scan or something just in case.

Answer to Drew11
 

Drew11,

I'm not a doctor, but in my opinion you did get a concussion, although probably just a minor one. It would probably be a good idea to go in and get checked out. There are also some things you should be aware of: In the next 4 weeks, don't drink any alcohol or take any drugs, try and keep the stress as low as possible, of course don't hit your head again, you may want to get some B12, vit D and fish oil in your system, eat lots of protein, and drink twice as much water as you normally do.

Your brain is now bruised and just needs time to heal. So, give it some TLC and don't do anything to aggravate it again.

If symptoms persist after a month, get back on here and some of us can give you some info on what to do.

FYI, now that you have gotten one concussion, you are 3 times more likely to get another one the next time you hit your head with the same force. So, be careful.

HI, I believe you were concussed as well. Previously my symptons did not occur until about 3/4 days afterwards.

My initial accident was when I was 21 when I wrote my car off - fractured jaw, broken teeth, black eyes, unconcious for a day. Hit my head several times after that was ok, then when I was 45 had 2 minor blows to my head within 6 weeks with symptons afterwards including yours and others which have never gone away fully - and I am now 53 - alot like Mark. What I am trying to say is look after yourself, ease back into things gradually and if you are feeling tired rest - give you brain a chance to recover fully and don't go hitting your head again please as I would not wish my life on anybody.

Lynlee