What To Do If You Experience Headache And Dizziness After Hitting Your Head

If you hit your head and begin experiencing symptoms like headache and dizziness, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. One of the first steps a healthcare provider may take is to perform an emergency head CT scan. This diagnostic test helps determine whether there has been any internal damage to the skull or brain, such as subdural hematoma, epidural hematoma, traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage, or cerebral contusion.

When Emergency Medical Care Is Necessary

Should the CT scan reveal any signs of intracranial injury, the patient should remain under emergency observation in the hospital. In some cases, repeat CT scans may be necessary to monitor for any changes or progression of the injury. If the condition worsens, urgent surgical intervention may be required to prevent further complications.

Recognizing Severe Symptoms

Individuals who suffer a head injury and experience significant headache and dizziness—especially if accompanied by nausea, vomiting, temporary loss of consciousness, or numbness or weakness in one limb—should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt treatment.

Monitoring And Recovery After Head Injury

It's important to note that complications from head trauma can develop rapidly, particularly within the first 24 hours. If a patient remains stable during this critical window, the likelihood of developing severe complications decreases significantly. However, older adults should be especially cautious. In some cases, chronic subdural hematomas may develop slowly over weeks or even months following a minor head injury. If the hematoma becomes large enough to cause symptoms or press on the brain, neurosurgical intervention will likely be required.