Janie Grace Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I just hit my head very hard. I was leaning down to get a cutting board out of a cabinet and then stood up and turned quickly to grab a plate of raw chicken. The microwave door (stainless steel) was open and I whacked the side of my head into it. I squarely hit my temple. I immediately sat down, I was reeling. The pain was extraordinary; I couldn't open my eyes... just sort of crouched on the floor for a few minutes... got up, stumbled to freezer for ice pack... applied ice... It has been about 20 minutes. Took some Advil and have put ice pack back on because it hurts so badly. I can't really function... I should lie down, maybe? Can you get a concussion from hitting your head this way? Anything to worry about or just take it easy? I feel like a baby but dang does my head hurt... there is a lump emerging on my brow bone and I almost feel like I can't see straight. Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Get someone to take you to the doctor. RIGHT NOW. If you have children at home, get someone to come over who can take care of them. RIGHT NOW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Call your doctor and ask. If it had only hurt for a few minutes, I wouldn't be at all concerned, but I have done similar things and have never had that level of pain after 20 minutes, so I'm worried about you. I'm sure it's nothing serious, but I think you should definitely let your doctor know what happened, just to be safe. I know it really hurts to get whacked in the temple, so I'm hoping that this is nothing more than that. Are you dizzy or disoriented? Is your vision OK? Is there anyone at home with you to help you if you need it? If you are alone, call 911 right away. Always err on the safe side. Don't lie down and rest and hope it gets better. You need to remain alert -- and if you're not alert... 911. NOW. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giraffe Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Call the doctor. Get seen. I've whacked my head good several times just as you've described, never had pain last that long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amo_mea_filiis. Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Get yourself checked out, and dont drive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Get someone to take you to the doctor. RIGHT NOW. If you have children at home, get someone to come over who can take care of them. RIGHT NOW. I agree. The not feeling like you can function or totally see straight concerns me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I am alarmed and think you need to be seen immediately. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Are you still at home? Are you OK? I hope you've spoken with your doctor -- and that you are already feeling much better. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hilltop Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Please take the advice above and go to your doctor or ER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I agree. The not feeling like you can function or totally see straight concerns me. Same here. I keep thinking about this, and I know I have whacked my head on cabinets (OK, and other stuff, too) and have never still felt like I couldn't function 20 minutes afterward. And if I couldn't see straight, it was only for a matter of seconds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SwallowTail Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I hope you are getting seen, and I hope you are okay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 Tried waiting it out but just got up to walk to other room and am so dizzy/nauseous. Called dh, on hold w dr now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 Nurse said to just take it easy, eat something ("some pasta or something" -- ???), don't sleep. Call back in 4-5 hrs if not better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I think that if you still feel like you aren't functioning, you might want to go to the ER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Wow. I'm not a nurse but if you were in my family you'd be having your head examined right now. If she's telling you not to sleep, she thinks it's possible you have a concussion. In which case, why not have a doctor examine you for a possible concussion? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Nurse said to just take it easy, eat something ("some pasta or something" -- ???), don't sleep. Call back in 4-5 hrs if not better. I'm sorry but I think this nurse is an idiot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Any more updates? Personally, I'm hoping your next update will be that you went to the ER, they ran the appropriate tests and found absolutely nothing wrong, and you're back at home feeling much better. I'm with Jean, Heather, and Tibbie -- that nurse sounds like an idiot. You're showing symptoms of a concussion and she's telling you to wait it out??? That's horrible advice!!!!!!! You need to be at the hospital!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Even if she does have a concussion, what is going to the er going to do for her? She will be sent home and told to take it easy. By the way, not sleeping due to a concussion is old school. You are supposed to sleep now so your brain can heal. I'm sorry, but I disagree. If she has a serious concussion, she would be admitted to the hospital. In our area, she would be admitted for a minor concussion. I hope this is nothing serious, but she might need medication or she could even need emergency surgery. People can DIE from head injuries. This can be serious stuff -- remember Natasha Richardson? I would never be as casual as you are being about a head injury that is causing dizziness and other symptoms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windmillmarie Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I hit my head a few weeks ago very hard by standing up under woodwork. I tried to wait it out and was still in pain dizzy and nauseated the next day. I went into the ER for a scan and had a small bleed. They scolded me for not coming in during the first few hours. Do not mess around with head injuries. It's worth the ER copay if you have concussion symptoms. I was nauseated for a good week and a half after that. Please go get checked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 She could have a CT scan. She could have an actual doctor look at her eyes and evaluate her symptoms. People with concussions act screwy sometimes, even if they sound somewhat sensible, and a doctor would be able to interpret that. They don't just guess at head injuries down at the hospital. They have diagnostic tools and educated, experienced physicians. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I hit my head a few weeks ago very hard by standing up under woodwork. I tried to wait it out and was still in pain dizzy and nauseated the next day. I went into the ER for a scan and had a small bleed. They scolded me for not coming in during the first few hours. Do not mess around with head injuries. It's worth the ER copay if you have concussion symptoms. I was nauseated for a good week and a half after that. Please go get checked out. I'm glad you're finally feeling better, but it must have been so scary to hear that you had the small bleed. Because they can say it's small or tiny or even that it's miniscule, but when the words "bleed" and "brain" are used in the same sentence, it's hard not to panic! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 She could have a CT scan. She could have an actual doctor look at her eyes and evaluate her symptoms. People with concussions act screwy sometimes, even if they sound somewhat sensible, and a doctor would be able to interpret that. They don't just guess at head injuries down at the hospital. They have diagnostic tools and educated, experienced physicians. :iagree: There's certainly no harm in getting checked out even if it turns out to be nothing, but there is potentially huge harm in not getting checked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Your hospital sure treats concussions differently than mine. We are pretty familar with concussions due to sports and have been in the er and been through mri's. Even some boys with pretty severe concussions where they were out of school for months were never admitted to the hospital. Wow -- I think I like my hospitals better than I like yours! ;) Head injuries scare me. I'm pretty brave about a lot of things, but not concussions! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted January 14, 2013 Author Share Posted January 14, 2013 I hit my head a few weeks ago very hard by standing up under woodwork. I tried to wait it out and was still in pain dizzy and nauseated the next day. I went into the ER for a scan and had a small bleed. They scolded me for not coming in during the first few hours. Do not mess around with head injuries. It's worth the ER copay if you have concussion symptoms. I was nauseated for a good week and a half after that. Please go get checked out. Now I really don't know what to do. The nurse acted like I was silly to have even called. She said, "It's not a big deal, Honey" in the midst of the instructions (which drives me crazy; being called Honey like I'm 6 years old). She had talked to the doctor directly and this was HIS feedback. So I feel pretty stupid asking dh to take me to the ER. I'm still in bed with a wicked headache. Eating cheese and crackers and keeping them down so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Here, if you had a concussion they'd give you an informative pamphlet and send you home. But it's the other stuff that can be far more serious that you want to get ruled out. I hope you go to the doctor. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 head injuries scare me as well. I would be going in to the hospital. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amo_mea_filiis. Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Now I really don't know what to do. The nurse acted like I was silly to have even called. She said, "It's not a big deal, Honey" in the midst of the instructions (which drives me crazy; being called Honey like I'm 6 years old). She had talked to the doctor directly and this was HIS feedback. So I feel pretty stupid asking dh to take me to the ER. I'm still in bed with a wicked headache. Eating cheese and crackers and keeping them down so far. When she ended the call did she forget to tell you that if you are worried, to go to the ER? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lang Syne Boardie Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 We get sent home for concussions here, too, with good instructions. But at least it's customary to be diagnosed first in case it's something more. Janie Grace, this will be my last post because now I am officially bossing you around and I don't even know you. I apologize for saying it one more time, but then I'll shut up: A blow squarely to the temple resulting in 20 minutes of extreme pain, disorientation, nausea, and visual disturbances, unable to function, followed by HOURS of continued pain and confusion.That's what happened to you.You are coming up on nighttime and you are going to want to sleep. Your DH will be back to work in the morning and you are responsible for children. Go to the ER. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Now I really don't know what to do. The nurse acted like I was silly to have even called. She said, "It's not a big deal, Honey" in the midst of the instructions (which drives me crazy; being called Honey like I'm 6 years old). She had talked to the doctor directly and this was HIS feedback. So I feel pretty stupid asking dh to take me to the ER. I'm still in bed with a wicked headache. Eating cheese and crackers and keeping them down so far. If you're in bed with nausea and a bad headache this long after hitting your head, you need to go to the ER. NOW!!!!!!!!! You're exhibiting classic concussion symptoms, and you need a scan to find out if there is any swelling or bleeding in your brain. PLEASE don't wait any longer to go -- things can turn very scary within minutes if something goes wrong, and it can all be prevented if you just go to the hospital now. I don't meant to scare you, but I'm getting more and more worried about you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 Now I really don't know what to do. The nurse acted like I was silly to have even called. She said, "It's not a big deal, Honey" in the midst of the instructions (which drives me crazy; being called Honey like I'm 6 years old). She had talked to the doctor directly and this was HIS feedback. So I feel pretty stupid asking dh to take me to the ER. I'm still in bed with a wicked headache. Eating cheese and crackers and keeping them down so far. The problem is that you (and they) don't know. It could be a concussion where the only recommendation is to do what you are doing. I've had a concussion before and it does give you a wicked headache :grouphug: It could also be something more and that is what the ER would assess. BTW - my dh is an RN and he would take me in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 If is still hurts, go in and ask for a cat scan. Take your dh and have him be your advocate. Potential head injuries should not be taken lightly. Even if it's a mild concussion, you really do need to be sure it's nothing more. Dh had a concussion, cleared cat scan, but had issues for days afterward. To clear up any confusion you really need to make sure you don't have any internal issues. They didn't admit him. Also we were told not to give dh Advil, but he could take Tylenol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 OK, the consensus is clear. We have all chimed in on this, and the decision is made. You don't even have to think about it. Just do what we say. The hive rules. Conclusion #1: The nurse was a complete moron. Conclusion #2: Stop reading this immediately; go straight to the emergency room, and get a CT scan. Hint: If your emergency room is generally very busy, call 911 and let the ambulance take you to the hospital. They will see you immediately and you won't need to wait in a waiting room Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest submarines Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 If you do have a concussion, reading the board is not the best of ideas. You shouldn't be reading or watching TV. I'm with the Hive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 If it's truly just a concussion, there isn't much you can do except to rest until you feel better. The thing is, with a head injury, you don't KNOW if it's just a concussion or if you were banged so hard that it caused a bleed, which can cause actual damage to the brain. Most likely it is just a concussion, and the pain from that can last for quite awhile. The reason they tell you not to sleep is because until you know exactly what it is, then sleep will mask the symptoms. Sure, if it's a concussion, then sleep is helpful -- it rests your brain so it can heal. But if it's more than that, it won't be obvious once you're sleeping. Again, it's probably a concussion, but I don't take any chances any more with head injuries. My husband slept right through his stroke, so we never even knew about it until he woke up the next morning. My daughter had a concussion last year which caused her vision to be blurry for about two days, but she was fine. (I did take her into the ER.) If your pain is still intense and you are now nauseated, I think that warrants a visit to the ER just to be cautious! Just tell them we told you to do it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted January 14, 2013 Share Posted January 14, 2013 I think the nurse is having an off day, and I think you need to go to the ER to get all the other stuff ruled out. Who are you going to trust? A condescending sounding nurse or your buddies in the Hive? :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Another vote for the ER. The nurse is an idiot, and I wouldn't trust her to accurately tell the dr what you are experiencing. His feedback translated through a third party is useless. Please have your dh or a friend take you in, and make sure they listen to all your symptoms. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applethyme Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I recommend going to the ER as well. My 4yr ds old fell out of his stroller right before Christmas and we took him to the hospital. The Ed doctor said that usually they would just send him home but because of his other health issues they did a cat scan (mainly to show me that he was fine). An hour later the doctor came in and said they were transferring ds to Duke and he was going to be admitted to the PICU because he had a 10mm brain bleed. Ds spent 3 days in the hospital and we have been going back every 2 weeks for them to scan and make sure the bleed is resolving. Had it grown between the first scan and the second one 6hrs later he would have had to do surgery immediatly. Luck for us it didn't change size. We have a scan coming up this week to decide if they need to do surgery to help resolve the problem. Moral of my story is that sometimes with head injuries its better to be safe than sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Wow, applethyme -- how terrifying! Thank goodness you took him right to the hospital, and that the doctors knew what they were doing! :grouphug: I hope he won't need any kind of surgery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bzymom Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 See a doctor. If that necessitates ER or Urgent Care, do it. You may end up with nothing more than a lump and an all-clear, but the symptoms you have described are serious stuff with a blow to the head. Concussions are more than just a bump. They are a brain injury. I work really hard to stay away from ERs, but if you were here, I would have you in the car already. Please take care, and be well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 My husband got a concussion from something very similar (his was a heavy cabinet door). He had issues for longer than one would expect. I, too, would get it checked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Janie grace, I hope you are OK. Our guitar teacher got a concussion standing up in a playground tube. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I hope Janie Grace is OK -- hopefully she's at the hospital finding out that she is fine and that we were all paranoid lunatics (because I would rather be wrong than right in this situation, and I'm praying this is nothing serious.) If anyone hears anything from her, please post! I'm worried. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunnyDays Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Wow, I just read this. Janie Grace, I hope you're okay, and that you haven't posted because you went to Urgent Care or the ER, got cleared, and sent home with orders to go directly to bed. :grouphug: Please check in when you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Just checking on you, Janie Grace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedmom4 Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 This is a very scary thread. I also hope that Janie Grace is ok and went to the ER. When my son was around 2 he hit his head quite hard on the concrete. He was dizzy (walking like a drunk sailor) and crying very weakly. I took him inside and I sat on the floor to hold him. The minute he changed from standing to sitting he started screaming inconsolably and then he projectile vomited. I took him to the ER and by that time he was happy again but they did NOTHING. I was so upset. When we returned home he began throwing up again but the doc just said to wake him every few hours. Now it seems that things in our area have changed and other children I know who have had a concussion are treated completely differently. They are given very specific instructions on how to heal the brain. One child I know was actually hospitalized for several days. It seems that some hospitals/areas are more progressive in their treatment of concussions than others. That is unnerving. Hope to hear an update soon! God Bless, Elise in NC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windmillmarie Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Has she posted yet? I am also concerned. It might be that sleep helped. I was nauseated and had a headache for about another week after I was released from the hospital. I agree that hospitals vary widely on how they treat. Concussions are getting more attention now though because of media focus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melbotoast Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Hoping everything's ok! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giraffe Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I'm worried too. Praying she went to the ER and she's getting seen and will be ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 ? No word? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janie Grace Posted January 15, 2013 Author Share Posted January 15, 2013 Sorry, friends -- I'm here. Thanks for all the care and concern. I talked to my doctor last night (after hours) plus a friend who is an ER doc. They both said the same thing. Based on the kind of trauma and the fact that I'm otherwise healthy, no need for an ER trip (unless things took a dramatic turn). My headache slowly improved and I was able to sleep fine. Dh woke me up (as per the doctor) in the middle of the night to check on me. I have an "egg" and it is very tender to the touch, but I feel normal today. Thanks again for all of your input and concern. You guys are the best! :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.