[Jeffrey]

I wonder if the slighest tap to the head could cause huge problems.

Yesterday I went to a social event w/friends I hadn't seen in a long time.

I took a backward step & accidentally tapped a low-hanging ceiling lamp.

My original point of impact was the front of the head.

I've had a headache since yesterday, but was curious how long a seemingly light tap will hurt for. And when does something cross over into something serious.

When you have nausea? Maybe it is too subjective-

Thanks for reading. Heal well, all!

[Jinxicat9]

A few months ago I bumped my head one time since my TBI two years ago. I had nausea, a headache that turned into a migraine and my vision felt off a bit. It lasted for two days. My neuro says brain sensitivity is heightened for most people after a brain trauma. Found that out the hard way

[greenfrog]

The specialist I met with said that after having sustained a concussion, the concussed person (1) is more prone to subsequent concussions, and (2) can expect subsequent concussions to be more severe / last longer than the previous one.

He didn't comment on the effect of subconcussive impacts, though.

[lindberg711]

I'm two months post-concussion, and I just hit my head an hour ago on some pvc pipe. A relatively minor blow, but definitely made my symptoms worse.

[Mark in Idaho]

The age old doctor's response would be, "You feel better when the pain goes away." At least that is what one of my doctors from the past used to say.



Honestly, there is no way to tell. Did you develop a bump? You may have two separate issues here. A contusion to your skull and a possible sub-concussive impact to your brain. The skull contusion will take as long as it takes. A visible bump may goes away quickly or may last a while. Some heal faster than others.

Next time this happens, ice it as soon as possible for 20 minutes or more. Then alternate 15 minutes ice on, 30 minutes ice off, until you to sense less immediate localized pain (not head ache).

The relapse or decompensation into PCS symptoms is an individual issue. I usually get over them quickly. But, I have a strong tolerance for enduring such bumps from an emotional or intellectual level. Bumps happen. I just try to go on without any anxiety. Sometimes, they will cause a relapse of symptoms.

[Jeffrey]

Thanks for the insights. No bump, I think. I had time to ice it once after I got home a few hours later.

Sorry to hear others having problems as well.

Glad to hear this pain will probably improve soon.

[Sareth]

It's frustrating because minor impacts like that seem inevitable in day-to-day life, you're going to run into that no matter how delicate you are with your body movement. I've lightly bumped my head, but it's been like 4 times now. I wonder if that's why my symptoms haven't gone away at all...