Brain Injury Support Group
Traumatic brain injury occurs when a sudden trauma causes brain damage. TBI can result from a closed head injury or a penetrating head injury. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. Outcome can be anything from complete recovery to permanent disability or death. A coma can also affect a child's brain.
Hi everyone-I don't know if I am in the correct support group, if so, please let me know. 2 weeks ago, I was tripped by my dog (a lab), and landed head first on the cement floor, with nothing breaking my fall (no hands, etc). I remember it sounded like a big rock being dropped on the cement. I also remember that when I hit, although I landed on the right side of my forehead, I had a sharp pain in the back of my head. I don't know how long I was there-I live by myself, so no one to miss me. The next thing I remembered was sitting up next to the cinderblock wall, with a huge bump on my head. I iced it, etc. The next day, I went to my doctor. He did some tests (reflexes, etc). The ones I wasn't able to do was anything doing with balance. He said he was less concerned with the bump on my head as he was about any hiding bleeding capillaries. 4 days later, I was supposed to go to my daughters graduation 300 miles away. I had an X-ray done which showed no fractures. By the time I got to my daughters graduation, I had 2 black eyes, and a swollen forehead. My sister went with me, to make sure I wouldn't fall. Now that I am home, it's been 2 weeks, and I still have a headache. I also still have a problem with my balance. I also noticed that it is taking me longer to type, cause my fingers seem to have a mind of their own. My doctor said that if I still have these symptoms after the holiday weekend (it's Memorial Day today), he'll have me go for a CAT scan. I know that my injury is probably nothing close to most of the problems all of you have, but it is something new to me. I have breast cancer (in remission), lupus, fibromyalgia, and wonder if my fall will cause any problems with these illnesses.
Any info. about these kind of head injuries will be really appreciated. God bless all of you. Thanks! Kathy
Any info. about these kind of head injuries will be really appreciated. God bless all of you. Thanks! Kathy
deleted_user
I am surprised your doctor did not immediately schedule the CT scan considering he was already concerned about bleeding. Mine sent me to ICU in case I needed to have neurosurgery to stop the bleeding. Good luck to you and stay strong! You will come through this.
SuperMonkey81
I would go to your family doctor and tell him/her about your deficits and what you have noticed post fall and bump. Sometimes things take a little time to develop in that department, also since you can't remember the actual injury, you don't really know just how bad it was. Please go see your doctor and talk to them. Good luck and God Bless
deleted_user
I too am surprised an immediate CT scan wasn't called for. Balance, headaches, memory and general sluggishness is sometimes to be expected in/with a head injury. While I'm not a physician the prelimary symptoms you've described does sount like you experienced a mild concussion which is now often called an mtbi. if you remain concerned consult a neurologist and get scheduled for a neuropsyc exam.This exam will test your cognitive ability as well as memory, judgement and sychronization/planning.
deleted_user
OUCH!!!! That's painful even just hearing about it! I'd insist on CT scan to be sure, that was a serious injury that should have been looked at promptly. I was smashed in the head by a car driven by a drunk driver while I slept in the back seat of the family car on the way home at 3 years old. Since you are having problems, get checked right away.
deleted_user
Hey Kathy: Sorry to hear that your fall has added to an already lengthy list of challenges you face. Your symptoms scream of TBI. It has to be confirmed that you have no bleeding going on in there. After that, your doc should schedule you for some rehab to see what they can do in terms of your balance and dexterity. Hopefully the symptoms will resolve themselves or be helped by therapy. If not, that's when we're here, cheering your every day. Good luck to you. Keep us in the loop. We're pulling for you.
deleted_user
I agree w/ everyone else, and I think you should she a neurologist and get an MRI. I had a TBI in 1/06. I kinda know the lingo and what to do if you have any future questions. I'd be happy to help.
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