What Causes Persistent Headaches After A Head Injury?

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2014

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

Tue, 15 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 12 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi my name is XXXXXXX XXXXXXX i hit my head on saturday (on a patio metal chair) and ever since them i have had a head ache. I don't believe it was super hard but i do have a bump, and have had a head ache ever since. I've been constantly icing it, and have been taking Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours or so. This morning i didn't take any and noticed my head ache was getting better however still hurt so i took just one ibuprofen. I don't feel confused, or have double vision or any of that. Sometimes a little spacey but besides that not a lot of symptoms (from what i've read online) of a concussion, however; I just wanted to get a second take as far as if I were to wake up tomorrow, and still had a head ache if I should go to a out patient clinic or just continue icing, getting rest, and taking medicine?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Detailed below. Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for the query. Headache is a symptom which can be present for a week or so after head injury. Usually it does not indicate anything serious especially if the injury was not strong, no loss of consciousness. However in some cases, headache can be the only symptom of bleeding in the brain. The main problem is that we are unable to take a look inside the skull. It is almost completely closed. Other symptoms which can indicate it are nausea, dizziness, blurred vision. I suggest you to do not ignore your headache and have it checked by a doctor. Most likely nothing serious is happening, but you never know and it is too risky to wait. In case of doubts, head CT should be done. Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (37 minutes later)

So since this happened last Saturday would it be safe to wait UNTILL this following Saturday (a week) to see if my head aches till occur. and if so see a doctor? Also is if safe to continue taking ibuprofen everyday for a week?

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer: . Detailed Answer: No, it is not safe to wait for so long. For your safety you should see a doctor today or tomorrow. Ibuprofen should not be taken for so long without stomach protection. So if you are going to take it 3-4 times a day (such dosage is safe), you should take also some stomach protecting medicines like Omeprasole 20 mg once a day. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (55 minutes later)

If I were to have a concusion, and there was no bleeding to the brain, would they just prescribe me pain medicine.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer: . Detailed Answer: Yes, if the bleeding will be ruled out, pain medicines and rest (lying down for few days) are advised. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar