Resolved question:
Hi! Yesterday at physical therapy my therapist was applying a heavy heating pad to my neck and it accidentally dropped on top/back of my head. It was cushioned my towels so it's very soft but heavy maybe 5 pounds. It didn't hurt at all and it was literally just a tap but bc of my anxiety issues I was scared of getting a concussion. I suffered a prior concussion in a car accident a few months ago and have dizziness and vertigo due to issues with my neck (that's why I'm in PT). My PT laughed and said I'm paranoid and I don't have a concussion due to that as that sometimes happens when putting on the heating pad. Strangely enough that after this happened yesterday my dizziness and vertigo was better maybe bc my anxiety was focused on the incident. I do have a headache but no bump on my head but I usually get headaches ever since the accident. I don't have any signs of one such as pupils being different sizes etc and my two friends that are MDs came over last night and told me to calm down I am fine and that would not cause a concussion. That my anxiety is once again getting the best of me since the accident. Thank you for your kind assistance.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Internal Medicine Specialist
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
Yes from the way you described, it is highly unlikely that you will end up getting a concussion. You anxiety is natural and justified because you just suffered trauma a few months back. With time, the anxiety will reduce further, and you can't be blamed for it.
Regarding yesterday's impact, if you indeed had a concussion, you would have experienced symptoms like feeling of loss of consciousness, change in the size of pupils as you rightly said, vomiting, weakness, giddiness, seizures, e.t.c
Since you don't have any of the above mentioned symptoms, a concussion can be effectively tuled out. And moreover i once again reassure, you can't develop a concussion from that impact.
You just need to relax and rest and you should be fine.
Feel free to discuss further,
Regards.
Thank you Very much! And even though it was heavy it wasn't hard and it was wrapped in towels so I should be completely fine. My left leg felt a bit weak and numb but that can happen without a concussion correct as it has happened in the past. I have to stop worrying about fear of concussion and everytime something hits my head or I tap my head I think I have one. Anxiety treatment is probably best for me at this point.
Hello,
Let me tell you honestly anxiety is very normal in this stage because you just suffered from trauma some time back.
A lot of patients go through the same.
Definitely the leg can feel numb without a concussion. So don't worry.
With passing time, it will get better.
However if it is hampering your daily activities, then you can visit a psychologist and a few sessions will be helpful.
Wish you great health!
Regards.
Ok thank you so much. I may just have to do that. So I know this is the last response you can give me so I should not worry about a concussion from this incident correct? Thank you again:)
Hello,
Yes i can assure you that you don't have a concussion.
So please do not worry.
Hope i have been helpful,
Regards.
Yes this has been extremely helpful:). Thank you again