head injury blood clot - #20944
I am really worried right now. A couple of weeks ago, I bumped my head pretty hard while playing basketball. At first, I thought it was just a bruise or something, but now I’m not so sure. I’ve been having these awful headaches that just won’t go away and sometimes I feel kinda dizzy. A friend mentioned that it might be a head injury blood clot, which freaked me out! I saw my doctor a few days ago, and they didn’t do an MRI, just told me to take ibuprofen and rest. They said the chances of having a head injury blood clot were low, but then why do I still feel terrible? I mean, can headaches really last this long if there's a head injury blood clot? Also, how can a person know if there’s an actual head injury blood clot there? I feel like the symptoms are kinda vague and I don’t want to ignore something serious. Should I just wait and keep monitoring it, or go for a second opinion? Like, is there specific tests I should ask for to rule out things like a head injury blood clot? This is stressing me out and I just want to be sure. Do you guys think I should push for more action or is it normal to feel like this after a head injury? Thanks for any help!
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Doctors' responses
Given your recent head injury and ongoing symptoms, it’s important to weigh the persistence and nature of your symptoms carefully. A persistent headache and dizziness after a head injury could indicate various issues, including concussion or, less commonly, a more serious condition like a subdural hematoma—a type of blood clot. These symptoms can sometimes worsen over days or weeks, which might require further investigation. While it’s reassuring that your doctor assessed your risk as low, your persisting symptoms warrant a reevaluation particularly if they’re severe or worsening. Headaches post-injury can indeed last for several days to weeks, especially in cases of concussion, but if they’re not improving or are accompanied by new symptoms like vomiting, confusion, changes in speech, or behavioral changes, it’s crucial to get a more thorough assessment. When it comes to ruling out a significant issue such as a blood clot, neuroimaging tests like a CT scan or MRI are often used to provide a clear picture of any internal injuries in the brain. If your symptoms are affecting your daily activities or you simply feel uneasy about the current plan, seeking a second opinion might offer peace of mind and potentially more diagnostic scrutiny. Advocate for your health by discussing your concerns directly with a healthcare professional. They can determine if retesting or additional imaging is warranted. In the meantime, monitor your symptoms closely and seek immediate medical attention if they suddenly worsen or you experience anything new—particularly those mentioned above. It’s better to err on the side of caution with head injuries, given the potential for delayed complications.
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