Brain Injury Concerns from Fainting
 

Hi all,
In the middle of the night Monday (i.e. roughly 54 hours ago), I awoke to use the restroom. When I came back, I drank some water, most of which I inhaled. Accordingly, my body tried to get rid of this water in my lungs, and I remember the pain associated with this.

The next thing I remember is waking up on the floor of my bedroom on the side opposite of my bed. The next morning, I sought out a physician for fear that I had fainted for one reason or another, and I have since visited a cardiologist as well. Overall, I have generally felt OK, but I have noticed some neck stiffness, a pressure in the head, and I overall have not felt particularly sharp (though this could be attributed to my anxiety associated with the event).

My main concern is of course that the lack of memory and unconsciousness stems from a brain injury following the fall. Unfortunately, I have absolutely no memory of how I ended up on the floor (other than this vague and possibly inaccurate sensation that I set my head down and fell asleep), and though I am certainly anxious about what actually happened, it isn't practical to pursue that anxiety. Therefore, I am mainly concerned with worst-case scenarios of this event that medically I should examine.

First of all, is it possible that I suffered a brain bleed? From what I understand, a fall from an upright position has more than enough force to cause this, but the question is if I would be experiencing more significant symptoms. After waking up, I can only recall a cool feeling and subtle buzzing in the back of my head but no headache. If a brain bleed occurred, basically, would I have noticed more significant symptoms? For reference, I have noted some bruising on the hip that is suggestive of a fall.

Secondly, seeing that this event has so far gone unexplained, is it possible that a prior history of concussions can lead to a proclivity for fainting? If so, what safety measures should one take?

At the moment, I am taking things slowly and playing my symptoms by ear, if you will. I have had to do a lot of school work, but I have not yet had a significant symptomatic response to all this work other than fatigue (which of course can manifest in a myriad of ways). In the event of a concussion, however, is it possible that the worst symptoms are delayed in their onset? Therefore, should I be taking it easier now (as a precaution) so as to avoid making symptoms worse?

Any input is greatly appreciated, and any similar experiences that anyone has had would certainly be instructive. This was a freak event for me, and I have never experienced anything like it. I am definitely anxious and a little frightened about what happened, and I would definitely be thankful for any support one can offer.

Thanks!
Tyler

Maybe you passed out due to the inhaled water and the coughing spasms to clear it out of the lungs....
A sore spot or bruising on head would give a clue if your head hit anything..the bruise on hip probably means it hit first and hardest.

Your symptoms and the passing out could be caused by many things.
A follow up general health exam might be wise..
Don't assume it is concussion related.

A brain bleed would be very evident. The symptoms would not be temporary.

You passed out and ended up on the floor. I've done it a couple times due to getting up to quickly. Your violent coughing could have caused you to pass out. You would not remember anything during your unconscious state.

Don't try to make this into more than it is.

You treat the symptoms, not the diagnosis. You passed out. If you have any symptoms (other than no memory), treat them.

Thanks for your replies, Jomar and Mark. I appreciate your advice and support.

I understand I should only concern myself with and treat any symptoms that arise, regardless of their source. However, just letting go of my concussion anxiety is not so simple, and the symptoms that come from anxiety are easy to conflate with a concussion. Ultimately, how does one differentiate the symptoms of anxiety from a concussion?

Here's one of our sticky threads to explore.

Anxiety, bumps, symptoms , treatment info links

Tyler, It is simple to separate concussion from anxiety.

1. If you would not have responded to a similar bump before your serious concussion, it is just a bump.

2. There is nothing you can do for concussion symptoms other than slow down but you can treat anxiety symptoms.


What do you expect a diagnosis of "Concussion" vs anxiety will do to change your future? Will you climb in a hole?

I've had 14 'memorable' concussions. Not bumps, full symptoms, 'I got my bell rung' concussions. Only 4 were of any concern. After the rest, I just went on with my life.

You can't undo the impact so why worry about the impact?

What will worry accomplish?