“I purposely slammed my head (possibly multiple times) into a wall due to emotional distress?”
Around 4-5 months ago I slammed my forehead into a wall (I may have also slammed my temple into a wall if I did this multiple times). Sometime after the first time I smashed my head, around 8-9 weeks ago, I started having concussion symptoms (Headaches, feeling more fatigued and drowsy, feeling more confused and brain foggy, seeing stars, amnesia surrounding the potentially traumatic event, being more forgetful, having my responses to questions being more delayed, feeling dazed at times, feeling more sensitive to light and noise, being more irritable, a bad taste in my mouth {though this one is probably just because of a damaged tooth I have}, nausea, sleep disturbances {though I’ve had this one before I hit my head}, feeling more depressed, having worse concentration, and very brief periods of blurred vision.
Also between the first time, I slammed my head and now I’ve shaken my head violently several times and even though head shaking can cause concussions, I don’t think this shaking would’ve been enough to cause any concussions as the shaking only lasted around a minute at most each time I did it, though sometimes when I did this I could feel what at least felt like my brain moving in my head
However around a month ago most of these symptoms either went away or became milder and less debilitating despite the fact that I hardly took any steps to recover from a concussion, and now I feel even better. The symptoms I experience now that could be because of a concussion are minor tension headaches, more minor brain fog, more minor memory problems, having worse concentration (this is the only symptom that has gotten worse), ringing in the ears (rarely) nausea (rarely), amnesia surrounding the potentially traumatic event, feeling dazed (rarely), more minor and rare feelings of confusion, that bad taste in my mouth that’s probably from the bad tooth, more mild depression, sleep disturbances (again, I had this problem before I hit my head), and more minor irritability.
Because of getting better despite little proper concussion recovery, the fact that I suffer from anxiety, OCD, and possibly undiagnosed ADHD, me having a history of hypochondria, and the fact that I began to feel better when I started worrying less about the possibility of having a concussion or anything bad that a concussion would cause makes me wonder if I never had a concussion and I just worried myself into feeling unwell. Not to mention I started experiencing these concussion symptoms at the same time as I started worrying about a concussion.
I also had a really bad OCD flare-up recently which might be because I stopped taking my medication for my OCD (Zoloft) without a doctor's permission because I didn’t like how docile it made me feel. I know that was a bad idea but I at least gradually tapered off taking it as opposed to going cold turkey. I don’t remember exactly when I stopped taking Zoloft but I believe it was around the middle of last year. I’m also autistic if that helps.
What do you think? Do you think I’m fine or should I see a doctor to be on the safe side?
Also between the first time, I slammed my head and now I’ve shaken my head violently several times and even though head shaking can cause concussions, I don’t think this shaking would’ve been enough to cause any concussions as the shaking only lasted around a minute at most each time I did it, though sometimes when I did this I could feel what at least felt like my brain moving in my head
However around a month ago most of these symptoms either went away or became milder and less debilitating despite the fact that I hardly took any steps to recover from a concussion, and now I feel even better. The symptoms I experience now that could be because of a concussion are minor tension headaches, more minor brain fog, more minor memory problems, having worse concentration (this is the only symptom that has gotten worse), ringing in the ears (rarely) nausea (rarely), amnesia surrounding the potentially traumatic event, feeling dazed (rarely), more minor and rare feelings of confusion, that bad taste in my mouth that’s probably from the bad tooth, more mild depression, sleep disturbances (again, I had this problem before I hit my head), and more minor irritability.
Because of getting better despite little proper concussion recovery, the fact that I suffer from anxiety, OCD, and possibly undiagnosed ADHD, me having a history of hypochondria, and the fact that I began to feel better when I started worrying less about the possibility of having a concussion or anything bad that a concussion would cause makes me wonder if I never had a concussion and I just worried myself into feeling unwell. Not to mention I started experiencing these concussion symptoms at the same time as I started worrying about a concussion.
I also had a really bad OCD flare-up recently which might be because I stopped taking my medication for my OCD (Zoloft) without a doctor's permission because I didn’t like how docile it made me feel. I know that was a bad idea but I at least gradually tapered off taking it as opposed to going cold turkey. I don’t remember exactly when I stopped taking Zoloft but I believe it was around the middle of last year. I’m also autistic if that helps.
What do you think? Do you think I’m fine or should I see a doctor to be on the safe side?
Male | 20 years old
Complaint duration: 4-5 months
Medications: None
Conditions: Autism
2 Answers
I'm really sorry to hear that you've been experiencing these symptoms and distress. I can try to provide some general information that might help you decide what to do next.
1. **Seek Medical Evaluation:** Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or a specialist in head injuries. They can conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your condition and determine whether there are any underlying issues, such as a concussion or other neurological concerns.
2. **Consider Mental Health Support:** It's essential to address the emotional distress and anxiety you're experiencing, which may be exacerbating your physical symptoms. You mentioned a history of anxiety, OCD, and possibly ADHD. Consulting a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, can help you manage these conditions and explore potential treatment options, including medication or therapy.
3. **Medication Changes:** It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen, including discontinuing medications like Zoloft. Abruptly stopping medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms and may affect your mental health.
4. **Be Honest About Your Symptoms:** When you see a healthcare provider, it's crucial to provide a complete and honest history of your symptoms, including the head trauma and any other concerns. This information will help them make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
5. **Consider Therapy:** Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be highly effective in managing OCD and anxiety, as well as helping you develop coping strategies for emotional distress.
6. **Stay Connected:** Reach out to friends, family members, or support networks to share your feelings and experiences. Having a support system can be crucial during challenging times.
It's important not to self-diagnose or dismiss your symptoms, especially if they have been ongoing for an extended period and are impacting your daily life. A healthcare professional can provide a proper evaluation and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Please seek medical attention promptly to address your concerns and get the appropriate help and support you need.
1. **Seek Medical Evaluation:** Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional, preferably a neurologist or a specialist in head injuries. They can conduct a thorough evaluation to assess your condition and determine whether there are any underlying issues, such as a concussion or other neurological concerns.
2. **Consider Mental Health Support:** It's essential to address the emotional distress and anxiety you're experiencing, which may be exacerbating your physical symptoms. You mentioned a history of anxiety, OCD, and possibly ADHD. Consulting a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, can help you manage these conditions and explore potential treatment options, including medication or therapy.
3. **Medication Changes:** It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen, including discontinuing medications like Zoloft. Abruptly stopping medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms and may affect your mental health.
4. **Be Honest About Your Symptoms:** When you see a healthcare provider, it's crucial to provide a complete and honest history of your symptoms, including the head trauma and any other concerns. This information will help them make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
5. **Consider Therapy:** Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can be highly effective in managing OCD and anxiety, as well as helping you develop coping strategies for emotional distress.
6. **Stay Connected:** Reach out to friends, family members, or support networks to share your feelings and experiences. Having a support system can be crucial during challenging times.
It's important not to self-diagnose or dismiss your symptoms, especially if they have been ongoing for an extended period and are impacting your daily life. A healthcare professional can provide a proper evaluation and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Please seek medical attention promptly to address your concerns and get the appropriate help and support you need.
It seems you are okay. A professional health evaluation is a good idea for you to be reassured. And to follow you with care. Assure an excellent nutritional daily diet of fruits and vegetables and vitamins and nutrients. Avoid alcohol. Engage in regular exercises. Rest at night.
