“When to be concerned about symptoms potentially related to prior head trauma?”
Hello! I am 22, and about 2-3 years ago, I was kicked in the head by a horse during a freak accident (I work with horses and own several, and it was by far my worst accident). I ended up in the ER, was given a scan, and didn't have a brain bleed, only a very severe concussion that affected me for about a week after. I was sent home with prescription-strength pain meds and anti-nausea meds.
Ever since, I've been having strange episodes where half of my body would go numb randomly, including my face, all the way down to half my tongue. This also causes some confusion, difficulty balancing and speaking, and general distress. I've been mostly ignoring it, as it only happens a few times a year, but recently I had an episode again and I was wondering if this is something I should be concerned about? Is this normal for post-head trauma side effects, or should I seek medical attention from a neurologist or GP?
I highly doubt it's a stroke or TIA, considering my age, but things of note are that I was borderline anemic at my last blood test about a year ago, have a history of migraines, in the process of quitting nicotine (albeit slowly) and I am only a very occasional drinker, sometimes going months at a time without any alcohol at all. I am about 10lbs overweight, but working on that, and generally lead a relatively active lifestyle, though I could definitely eat healthier. Could my diet be affecting this? Most of it consists of home-cooked foods, but I enjoy from-scratch bread making and cheese is a definite guilty pleasure in my meals, though I am a vegetarian and do not eat any kind of meat or seafood (which may be the cause of my low iron levels) and haven't for almost a decade now.
Sorry if this was overly long, just trying to be sure I cover all the bases! Is this something to be concerned about or am I overthinking this? Thanks!
Ever since, I've been having strange episodes where half of my body would go numb randomly, including my face, all the way down to half my tongue. This also causes some confusion, difficulty balancing and speaking, and general distress. I've been mostly ignoring it, as it only happens a few times a year, but recently I had an episode again and I was wondering if this is something I should be concerned about? Is this normal for post-head trauma side effects, or should I seek medical attention from a neurologist or GP?
I highly doubt it's a stroke or TIA, considering my age, but things of note are that I was borderline anemic at my last blood test about a year ago, have a history of migraines, in the process of quitting nicotine (albeit slowly) and I am only a very occasional drinker, sometimes going months at a time without any alcohol at all. I am about 10lbs overweight, but working on that, and generally lead a relatively active lifestyle, though I could definitely eat healthier. Could my diet be affecting this? Most of it consists of home-cooked foods, but I enjoy from-scratch bread making and cheese is a definite guilty pleasure in my meals, though I am a vegetarian and do not eat any kind of meat or seafood (which may be the cause of my low iron levels) and haven't for almost a decade now.
Sorry if this was overly long, just trying to be sure I cover all the bases! Is this something to be concerned about or am I overthinking this? Thanks!
Female | 22 years old
Complaint duration: 2, almost 3 years
Medications: None but occasional OTC NSAIDs
Conditions: Migranes, diagnosed Attention Deficit Disorder, prior head injury
1 Answer
You have many reasons to be concerned. You are young, but you are not healthy. Late effects from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are not uncommon. You should find a neurologist you can work with and be prepared for an elusive diagnosis.
