Three months after a concussion(?), and my head randomly hurts/feels weird again?
 

So, I got in a car accident almost 3 months ago. I wasn't wearing a seat belt, and flew into the dash. It was a very bad crash and a very hard hit. I'm not entirely sure what hit me, but something slammed at full force into my left temple (I'm assuming it had to have been the rear-view mirror). It hurt so bad, I couldn't even touch it, brush my hair, or even open my mouth for almost two weeks (It hurt my temple when I opened my mouth). It gradually improved, and got to where it would just very dully ache every other day or so. Well, as of yesterday, my entire head has been feeling pain in random, spread out places (the place that got hit months back hurting the worst). It isn't an unbearable pain or anything, but it's just worrisome. I also feel a tingling, almost numb sensation all across my head, but very amplified in my temple area. It has almost felt like something is "moving" where I got hit a few times over the past two days. I'm also going to clarify that I did not go to the doctor after the wreck, so I'm not 100% sure it was a concussion, but I'm just assuming it was due to how hard of a hit it was. My mom insists I'm okay, and a lot of it has to do with the fact that I swam pretty vigorously around 5 days ago (hand stands, flips underwater, lots of playing around with my younger cousins). She said that may could have played a part in it, but of course my anxiety tries to tell me it is something much worse, such as a blood clot or serious brain damage. I've read about Post-Concussion Syndrome, and I'm honestly not sure if this is it (partly because I didn't get the doctor's say that it was a concussion to begin with, but I'm pretty positive myself). I'm mainly just scared that I've developed a blood clot over the past few months due to the impact, and I'm going to have a stroke or something as severe. I know no one can speak for sure on this issue, but any suggestions or experiences with head injuries or anything of the sorts would be very very appreciated. Thank you all in ahead of time!

(P.S. I have a yearly checkup next week, and I'm going to go ahead and ask about this when I'm there. I just need some advice / reassurance on my situation, as I had two severe panic attacks yesterday over this. Thank you all!)

CoffeeAndCats,

Welcome to NeuroTalk. Glad to hear you survived a very bad crash without a seat belt. I know many who suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries in such crashes that changed their lives.

It is unfortunate that you were not examined by a doctor at the time of the collision. Any time a person flies though the air in a suddenly stopping car and is stopped by the dash or windshield or such, a doctor's exam should be performed. Neck injuries are very common in these situations.

Regarding your fear of a blood clot. Most head trauma bleeds manifest in the first 24-48 hours and start to be absorbed by the third day.

Hopefully, you can talk openly with the annual physical doctor. They often do not have time to go into areas that are not part of the annual physical regimen. When they do, it is usually billed as an extra level of care/diagnostics.

The driver's car insurance likely has a benefit called 'medical payments' that provides a small amount of 'no fault' access to medical care. It would not have a deductible so your mom would not have to pay for the doctor's exam regarding the collision injuries. The annual physical doctor may want to refer you to a second doctor for a more specific exam. Take advantage of this referral if you can.

It appears you are a minor teen so you may not have much control over your medical decisions. Try to be persistent. Understanding what has happened to your head is important.

Has this taught you the importance of seat belts? If you had been wearing a seat belt, you would likely have had no injuries at all except some seat belt rash/bruising. After suffering this concussion, you need to make choices to protect your head, Seat belts always.....

btw, Caffeine should be limited to a single serving a day until ALL concussion symptoms, headaches and such are gone for a few weeks.

My best to you.

Thank you for the reply! I'm actually 21, but I don't have medical insurance. I'm hoping they can at least offer me advice and / or refer me to someone who can check me out further. My appointment is Thursday, I just hope I'll be okay until then. I'm a very paranoid, worrisome person. Also, I didn't know that about caffeine! I've been drinking coffee and sodas all along. And as far as wearing a seatbelt, it's safe to say I've worn one ever sice that morning, aha.

You may have had a concussion. Did you rest and take it easy for the 3 months? Or did you do everything you normally did? Sometimes if you dont treat a concussion, it can get worse and worse so you wont feel the effects until later.

I was punched in the head several times and had a concussion. Didnt feel pain till 5 months after.

Best CK

My pain was delayed for 4-5 months, then it mowed me down.

Bud