Expert: Robert Borucki - 11/8/2009

Question
I was recently involved in a fight where I may have been hit in the back of the head. It has been a week since the fight, and only recently I have been having symptoms that I think are similar to a concussion. I have been experiencing buzzing in the back of my head, almost like a high. I have complete function of my motor, and auditory skills, but have noticed a very slight decrease in my reaction time. Lately, the buzzing has become like a dizziness, somewhat complicating my concentration and making me a little irritable. I also have what I think is just a chest cold. My question is to find out your opinion of my symptoms to see if I should see a doctor, I do not have health insurance so I would like a professional opinion before I end up wasting money unnecessarily. Could these symptoms be caused by my chest cold? Or could it possibly be a concussion or some underlying head injury?

Thank you,
David

Answer
well, if you had a bad brain injury, like a bleed, it would have presented by now.  This is a concussion, which means a brain injury when all our tests are norma.  There isn't a specific treatment except time and  be especially careful to not have another head injury in the next 2 months.  

The reaction time and dizziness may go along with the concussion or may be part of the chest cold, but the only thing to do now is give it some time......

Hope this helps....