[stevegee]

Hi all,

4 Days ago banged my head going up stairs (low ceiling). Currently unemployed and without health insurance I havent gone to the ER.

Its been 4 days and I havent had any major headaches or vomiting. But I am, for lack of a better term "out of it". Anxiety and a general feeling of blah. Cant concentrate - And pins and needles in my left foot.

Yesterday I went to a walk-in clinic and the doc did general tests, checking my eyes, walking, finger to nose, etc and he said I was fine - did not think I have concussion. He said I did not need a CT scan.

I guess my question is - seeing it has been 4 days out - is a CT scan neccesary? Obviously it will cost a fortune at the ER. Am I in jeopardy health wise if I do not get one?

Thanks for your input folks.

[EsthersDoll]

I would suggest following the Dr.'s advice and if you're not better in another week or two then return and try to see that same Dr. if possible, or at least go to that same clinic.

Do you have a friend, partner or family member that can help you out?

Watch out for one pupil to change size compared with the other one.

If you have a concussion, it probably won't show up on the CT anyway.

Most concussions feel like they "clear up" within a few weeks... if you end up spending $10K on a CT that shows nothing and then feel all better within a few weeks you might regret it.

I know it's scary and anxiety-provoking to not feel quite right on the head, but stick it out and you'll probably be fine soon.

I have good insurance and they didn't give me a CT scan until about 2 weeks after the MVA I was in. I suffered a severe concussion and nothing showed up on the CT scan.

[stevegee]

Thanks for your response. Im a bit of a hypochondriac - so when the anxiety hits it becomes overwhelming. And then Im convinced I should go to the ER and get a CT.

And spend a fortune.

[Eowyn]

A CT scan will not show if you have a concussion or not. It will just show if you have bleeding in your brain or not. And if you have bleeding in your brain, you would be showing other symptoms. From your exam, your doctor obviously did not think you were demonstrating those symptoms, hence not recommending the CT scan.

I had both a CT and an MRI after my concussion, and neither one showed anything abnormal. The advantages to having one are minimal, unless your doctor thinks you have alarming symptoms and needs to rule out bleeding in the brain or something else like that.

The best thing for a concussion is to rest and wait. I know it's hard, but it really is the best thing to do!

[ginnie]

Check with your local teaching hospital. Closest to you. There are patient advocacy groups in most of them. You go there with your medical need, and they find the means to get you that test if you need it. I had neck problems, needed MRI, found this in my local hospital, and I did get some help. A rural health care center, can also make referrals to agencies that have monies, such as Vog. Rehab. Often if a person is injured and they want to go back to work, Vog rehab helps to get you fixed and on your feet again. That is if you plan to go back to work. Give these things a try. I had no insurance either Steve, it was all a big pain in the butt, but there was kindness out there too. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. ginnie

[Mark in Idaho]

Steve,

EsthersDoll and Eowyn have given you good advice. A CT would be unnecessary radiation. One CT is like 70 simple X-rays. The basic neuro exam you got at the clinic shows if there are any concerns. Your symptoms sound very mild. Take some time to rest and check back with us if you have concerns.

[stevegee]

Thanks folks,

The symptoms I have are some numbness in my foot and finger - but no headaches or vomiting. Just a general sense of being unwell and "off". Trouble concentrating, etc. I did have a small amount of fluid buildup in my nose.

I go online and read all the articles about "brain bleed" and its making me think I should get a CT scan immediatly. Just to rule that out.

Its been 5 now since the incident. Not sure if this puts me "in the clear" for that sort of thing.

As you can see Im freaked out. Thanks for all your help.

[Mark in Idaho]

The neuro exam was to rule out the need for a CT Scan. Your risk is greater from the excessive radiation from a CT Scan.

*admin edit*

[stevegee]

**

Just woke up at 3 in the am from my leg spasming - then ready your post. I appreciate this forum greatly but no need to call names Mark.

This is hard enough as it is. Thanks

[Mark in Idaho]

I was not calling you names. You had already identified yourself as a hypochondriac. I was commenting about how you were sounding. If I was a doctor and you came to see me asking for a CT Scan based on internet research, it would likely cause such a reaction.

I was trying to comment on a common issue doctors face with patients. Asking for care especially when the patient has done internet research is a touchy area with many doctors. It can cause a patient's medical records to collect some comments that will effect future care. Such comments as somatoform disorder can be the kiss of death to future care related to the condition at issue.

We all need to be careful with how we present our own research to doctors.

My best to you.