How to know if need CT scan - 2 days ago

[Benefitsguru]

Out of town and went hiking Thanksgiving day and around 3:30 slipped, fell, and in super slow-mo my head fell back and hit a boulder with loud crack. Very little bleeding, was kinda shocked and all I could think about was Natasha Richardson. Have pain on back of head, swelling, very sensitive still (Sat morn) but no weird symptoms other than neck ache and tenderness on skull. I'm in Nashville and driving home to Houston today with a stop in Louisiana late tonight. How do I know if I have intracranial bleeding or if I'll be okay. Thanks.

[brainremix]

i would definitely get your head checked. if the CT scan does not show anything, and you still feel strange, request an MRI.  sometimes CT scans don't show what the MRI does.  this was the case for my brain injury.  the CT scan showed nothing, but the MRI i had later showed a clear injury to the brain.

take care!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
Well, normally it is best to have a complete check-up after ahead injury. This involves complete neurological examination along with CT scan if need be. If you develop nausea, vomiting, excess sleep, severe headache, difficulty in walking and balance, tremors, seizures, vision problems, ringing in ears etc then consult a doctor immediately. These symptoms develop if there is a brain injury or bleed. Take care!