Significance of minor head bumps
 

Hi everyone,

I'm wondering what the significance is, in terms of recovery, of minor head bumps. I slipped on ice 3.5 months ago, and was on a good recovery track for 5 days when I minorly nudged my head by leaning/pushing into a car visor, which caused some pain, but more importantly kicked me off into a downward spiral of anxiety and depression that's brought me here.

I bumped my head minorly a couple other times as well (most recently this morning). Every time I do bump my head I tend to hyperfocus on it and often there is a headache (where I bumped my head the first two times within a week of falling I still sometimes get headaches) but eventually they subside.

I've seen a lot here about how minor head bumps constitute further concussions in those who've already had one, and I'm just wondering how they affect recovery, even if the only symptom from the bump is a headache. This morning for instance, I gently bumped my head on the ceiling while walking slowly down some stairs carrying laundry. It hurt for a little bit, but then subsided, coming back for brief moments every once and while (although I might be confusing them with normal headaches in a close spot to where I hit).

If the headache passes relatively quickly without other symptoms (besides me likely needlessly worrying), can I go on with normal activities? Should I rest for a day? It seems my main problem is worrying too much about them, so if that's the case, carrying on with normal activities seems like the best medicine...(perhaps I just answered my own question!)

Laupala,

These minor bumps are of minimal significance. I think you are over thinking the risk from them. Your anxiety is likely causing your symptoms.

Minor head bumps only constitute another concussion if they have immediate symptoms, like blurred vision, mental confusion, strange taste sensations, dizziness, etc. It does not mean that minor head bumps are meaningless. They should be avoided. Many times, the concussed person has balance and other movement struggles that can lead to head bumps. It helps to learn to move more slowly and with purpose.

My best to you.

All I can say is protect your head. I was told the more times you hit your head the more likely dementia as you age.

OK, I didn't have immediate symptoms, but about an hour afterwards I was meditating and felt an odd dizzy sensation for about 20 seconds (haven't had dizziness as a symptom). I decided I was OK to drive 1.5 hours to my NUCCA appointment, had an adjustment, drove back, was feeling better. Head still kinda hurt from time to time where I hit it, but not bad.

The next morning I was feeling pretty good, and on the mile uphill walk to campus (I'm a grad student) I felt momentarily dizzy again for a split second, but it really couldn't just been I stepped kinda funny.

Then, later that afternoon I just got exceedingly tired (something they say can happen with NUCCA adjustments, plus I may be getting a cold). Felt pretty bad the rest of the evening in terms of general fatigue and on and off minor headaches where I bumped my head.

This morning I woke up and still wasn't feeling great, and had a slightly worse headache where I bumped it, although it seems to be subsiding, but flares up from time to time. I still don't feel very good.

Could this have been another concussion with delayed symptoms? I've had other minor bumps and haven't felt quite like this afterwards. I feel like I'm going crazy here. Other things in my life are stressing me out right now, along with the feeling like my recovery from the initial concussion is getting worse. The idea that I've set myself back even further is too much.

I bumped it walking fairly slowly down stairs against the ceiling, didn't cause any immediate symptoms, it hardly hurt right away.

Sorry to keep posting about this, but I'm a bit worried about this head bump - I seem to be reacting worse to it than previous ones. 3 days after the head bump I'm still getting on and off headaches where I bumped it, and it seems my other headaches have worsened as well. I also had some sleep difficulties last night.

I went to a GP on campus to see what they said yesterday morning, and they thought it probably wasn't a concussion (I did fine on all the tests, I also played a lumosity game the day after and scored within normal ranges), but my head is sensitive so it could set me back a bit.

I was pretty emotional in the GPs office, the idea that I set myself back even further was terrifying and saddening. I was so distraught she suggested I go on an SSRI, which I'm resistant to. I then had an emotional conversation with my girlfriend (a lot of stress around that relationship right now, but she's being supportive), and with a therapist.

So, it seems this increase in symptoms could be due to emotional distress, the head bump, or a combination of both. Either way I'm going to take it easy for a few days.

I'm sorry if I seem whiny or excessively worried about minor symptoms compared to what many of you have to deal with, but my life has turned upside down and I'm scared that I've made it worse. I'm feeling better this morning emotionally, but still concerned.

Thanks.

A sore spot where you bumped your head does not mean brain damage. I think your anxiety needs to be treated. It is going to prevent or slow your recovery. Anxiety is toxic to recovery. Please try to forget about the head bump as concussive.

You said "the idea that I set myself back even further was terrifying and saddening." Your emotional response is setting you back, not the minor head bump. Please seek help with your anxiety.

My best to you.

Thanks for the response. I just feel as thought I've backtracked even more this week than I have yet, and that's scary. I'm also not in good contact with the specialist I've saw (in another state now), which adds to the anxiety. I'm feeling better anxiety-wise today - I realize worrying and feeling depressed about my situation is toxic. I'm trying to choose to be positive, which works sometimes, and doesn't others. This week has probably been the worst since the first couple.

I was on klonopin for sleep for 2 months, and have no interest in going back on a benzo. Do you have other suggestions for dealing with anxiety? I meditate regularly and am seeing a therapist, both of which help.

Also, I've found kava tea to help calm me down. I've seen some of your posts, Mark, saying that St. John's Wort tea is bad for the concussed. Is kava OK?

Also, kava tea seems to help a bit with headaches as well. I haven't had a cup in a while, but just did and noticed an improvement in headaches.

Are you taking any of the vitamins and supplements ? The L-Tryptophan would be a very worthwhile try.

You need to convince yourself that these bumps and such are not a big deal because they aren't. Your specialist doctor can not help you so not being able to be seen by him is no big deal. Concussion specialists' primary duty is determining return to play. They have little effect on healing other than prescribing rest.

I take gabapentin (600 mgs) before bed to help my mind settle down. I do mundane activities to occupy my mind while I am settling for sleep.