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Is Flying Advisable For A Patient With Fuzzy Head After An Injury?

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Posted on Thu, 5 May 2016
Question: good morning. I fell from my horse last Tuesday and was knocked out and broke my arm. I saw a doctor who sent me to hospital. have a cast on my arm but they didn't scan my head. actually they didn't ask anything about my head and I forgot to ask. have a fuzzy head and sometimes a headache but nothing I am worried about. am resting most of the day and taking things easy. I am 44, about 9 stone and 5'6. my question is, will I be okay flying next Wednesday to the mountains in Switzerland? will altitude affect my head? I have been advised against booking a sit ski due to potential risk of crashing and 2nd hitting of head. I thought I would hire snow shoes and walk but wanted to check issue of altitude. thanks for responding!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
If you didn't hit the head you can go on.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

You didn't mentioned if you hit the head or not.

If you didn't hit the head, there is nothing to worry about flying, altitude changes etc.

If you hit the head, but, there were no symptoms of brain involvement such, loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, forgetfulness, your symptoms were most probably related to mild concussion, and in this case, altitude changes shouldn't do any harm, besides worsening a little your headaches.

If you had clear symptoms of moderate concussion (mentioned above), in my opinion you should postpone changes of altitude.

Second impact head injury could be very dangerous.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

Greetings.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Yes I said I was knocked out so definitely hit my head and quite hard. I was apparently on the ground and not moving for a couple of minutes. For half an hour afterwards I was talking nonsense. Since then I have been ok apart from fuzzy head and mild headaches.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Imaging studies ( head CT scan).

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

In this case then, only imaging studies such head CT scan could give the certainty if there is any traumatic brain injury or not.

If not, then you can fly and can go to higher places.

Hope I helped you.

Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4493 Questions

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Is Flying Advisable For A Patient With Fuzzy Head After An Injury?

Brief Answer: If you didn't hit the head you can go on. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. You didn't mentioned if you hit the head or not. If you didn't hit the head, there is nothing to worry about flying, altitude changes etc. If you hit the head, but, there were no symptoms of brain involvement such, loss of consciousness, nausea or vomiting, forgetfulness, your symptoms were most probably related to mild concussion, and in this case, altitude changes shouldn't do any harm, besides worsening a little your headaches. If you had clear symptoms of moderate concussion (mentioned above), in my opinion you should postpone changes of altitude. Second impact head injury could be very dangerous. Hope you found the answer helpful. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions. Greetings.