Suggest Treatment For Headaches After Head Injury During Panic Attack

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015

Question: Hello! My wife hit her head one week ago during a panic attack. It was a very small blow to the back of the head, where she just leaned back to fast on a hard surface out of frustration. The next day she showed concussion signs so I took her to a doctor. Sure enough she had a concussion. Surprised me from that small of a blow. The next day (48 hours after the trauma) we got a CT scan to make sure there was no bleeding. It came out clear. She's still having headaches but they are slowly improving (it's been almost one week).

I have anxiety. Bad. So does she. I was wondering if she's safe? Is there a chance the CT missed a slow bleed in her brain? It was such a small trauma it amazed me she had a concussion.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (18 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Not a possibility of bleed, be observant

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Trivial head injury with no loss of consciousness, vomiting, seizure, bleeding via ear and nose may not be alarming. Also CT head is normal and she is improving clinically. according to me she doesn't require any medication apart from sos pain killers.
There is very remote possibility of subdural hematoma late after head injury. Such presentation is with sensorium changes, headache, vomiting, seizures but common in elderly people.
I don't think any such possibility at this stage in your wife's case. Be observant.
Do get back for further queries.
Hope she recovers early.
God bless her.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 hours later)

Thanks!
To be clear, a persistent headache that gets worse with light exposure is normal for a while right?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
May be migraine

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
Sometimes primary headache like migraine may aggravate during illness.
Features of worsening headache with light or sound may be due to migraine.
I will advise you to monitor symptoms and continue medication as prescribed.
Again consult a neurologist if headache persists or has features as described.
hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

Is it normal for her to be light sensitive and have a headache one week later?

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consult neurologist if symptoms reappeared

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
If there is a asymptomatic period between initial injury period and reappearance of headache then you should once consult a neurologist to rule out any new development.
In continuation mild headache may remain for weeks after head injury.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr Neeraj Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D