Suggest Treatment For Black Eyes After Injury

Posted on Sun, 27 Aug 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 27 Aug 2017 Answered on

Wed, 20 Sep 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I tripped and fell full force into a XXXXXXX wall on right side of forehead 3 days ago. Today I woke up with my right eye black and now the left one is going black. I flew on holiday yesterday and today I have felt unsteady on my feet so have been resting all of the day. Should I see a Doctor as I am on a very small island with no Doctor? Also, when I touch the impact area it is like an electric shock moving across my head

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your situation can wait.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Since three days passed, acute brain injury remains a very small possibility, but can't be excluded entirely.

Black eyes after a hit may indicate underskin blood, but in rare cases may indicate fractured anterior skull base.

In my opinion your situation doesn't represent an emergency, but an evaluation by a Doctor is necessary to exclude significant damages.

I think you should rest and continue the painkillers for a couple of days, and you can see your Doctor when it is possible.

If your unsteadiness gets worse, or if there appear new symptoms such increased headaches, vomitng, lethargy, any limbs weakness, vision and/or speech issues, etc. you should see a Doctor immediately.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Last night whilst sleeping, I was aware that I was drooling from my mouth onto the pillow and woke up with a drippy nose could this be related? I don't have any of the symptoms you have listed.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
In this case you should see your Doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.

If the dripping from the nose was a clear liquid, it may indicate a fracture of the cranial base, so, in this case, is advisable to see your Doctor and to get evaluated by imaging of the head (CT scan).

Discuss with your Doctor about these issues.

Hope I helped you.

Kind regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 days later)

Hi I had x-rays and a CT scan and have broken my nose and a tiniest of holes in the skull which is why I was leaking some fluid which has now stopped. Thank you for you help

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Okay, glad I helped you.

Avoid physical effort and weights for a couple of weeks to prevent a possible cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad