10 Causes of Delayed Vomiting After a Concussion
Concussions can present with a variety of complications. These can occur immediately or weeks to months after the injury. One of the most common symptoms that can creep into daily life is nausea and vomiting after a concussion. What are the causes, should I be concerned, and what can I do about it?
These are the questions this article will address. With this information, you can make informed decisions about the type of care you need and understand where to go to get the best chance for relief.
Delayed Vomiting After a Concussion
Delayed vomiting refers to nausea and vomiting that occur hours or even days after the initial injury. Unlike immediate post-traumatic vomiting, which can be part of the body’s initial shock response, delayed vomiting might indicate underlying complications that require immediate medical attention or specialized conservative care. Reasons include:
1: Increased intracranial pressure
2: Vestibular System Injury
3: Post Traumatic Migraines
4: Medication Side Effects
5: Secondary Impact
6: Blood Sugar Levels
7: Delayed Stress Response
8: Brain Herniation
9: Hydrocephalus
10: Gut Dysfunction
Causes of Delayed Vomiting After a Concussion
Delayed vomiting after a concussion can be indicative of several underlying issues. Here are some reasons why someone might experience this symptom:
1. Increased Intracranial Pressure
Swelling or bleeding within the skull can create pressure on the brain, which may lead to symptoms such as severe headache, nausea, and vomiting. This increased pressure can be dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Suppose you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms after a head injury. In that case, it’s essential to seek medical help right away.
2. Vestibular System Injury
Vestibular system injury can occur as a result of a traumatic head injury, leading to an imbalance in the body’s equilibrium and spatial orientation. This can result in symptoms such as persistent headache, nausea, vomiting, and even loss of consciousness, which may manifest hours or even days after the initial injury.
It’s crucial to recognize these signs as they may indicate more serious underlying complications that require immediate medical attention or specialized care. If you or someone you know experiences delayed vomiting after a concussion, it’s important to seek medical help to determine the appropriate management and support for recovery.
3. Post-Traumatic Migraines
Concussions can trigger migraine symptoms, which include nausea and vomiting. This happens because a concussion can disrupt the brain’s normal functioning, leading to changes in the brain’s chemical and electrical activity. These changes can then trigger a migraine episode, causing symptoms such as intense headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and, in some cases, nausea and vomiting.
4. Medication Side Effects
After experiencing a concussion, it’s essential to educate yourself on potential side effects of the medications that may be prescribed, such as painkillers. Some common side effects of these medications include nausea and vomiting. It’s crucial to follow the doctor’s instructions carefully and promptly report any adverse reactions or concerns.
Additionally, it’s advisable to discuss any potential side effects with the healthcare provider to ensure that the prescribed medications are suitable for the individual’s specific circumstances.
5. Second Impact Syndrome
When someone experiences a second concussion before the symptoms of the first one have fully resolved, it can lead to a dangerous condition known as second impact syndrome. This condition can result in severe and sudden symptoms, including vomiting, loss of consciousness, and neurological deterioration.
Second impact syndrome is a more serious issues and can have serious consequences, so it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention if there is a concern about a potential second concussion.
6. Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding that a concussion can affect the body’s normal glucose metabolism is essential. This disruption can contribute to symptoms like nausea or vomiting, mainly if the individual cannot eat regular meals due to post-injury fatigue or loss of appetite. It’s essential to be aware of these potential effects and ensure that individuals recovering from a concussion receive proper support and care, including monitoring their nutrition and meal intake to aid in their recovery process.
7. Delayed Stress Response
The physical manifestation of stress and the recovery process may lead to various gastrointestinal symptoms, including but not limited to nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or even vomiting. These symptoms can appear even after a significant delay following a stressful event.
These symptoms can also be a side effects form dysfunction in other systems. Be mindful of these potential physical effects and seek appropriate support and care if you experience them.
8. Brain Herniation
A common source of vomiting is from intracranial hypertension. This occurs when there is increased pressure within the skull. This increased pressure can lead to displacement of brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood vessels, which can cause various symptoms and potentially severe complications.
Treatment for intracranial hypertension often focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing the pressure within the skull to prevent further damage. It’s essential to seek medical attention if you suspect that you or someone else may be experiencing symptoms of intracranial hypertension.
9. Hydrocephalus
An accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain ventricles, known as hydrocephalus, can result from a concussion. This accumulation can increase intracranial pressure, which may lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. It’s essential to monitor these symptoms closely after a head injury and seek medical attention if they occur.
10. Gut Dysfunction
Following a concussion, the autonomic nervous system, which regulates stress responses in the body, can be disrupted. This disruption can lead to gut dysfunction, including delayed gastric emptying. When the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, a person may experience nausea and subsequent vomiting.
The brain’s response to injury can impact the regular coordination of the muscles in the digestive system, potentially leading to delayed vomiting due to the delayed passage of food from the stomach to the small intestine.
It’s important to recognize and treat any vomiting after a concussion, as it could point to severe complications. Always seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment to avoid severe consequences.
Diagnostic Approaches
Upon experiencing delayed vomiting after a concussion, it is critical to undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation, which might include the following:
-Neurological Examinations
Assess essential brain function and look for signs of increased intracranial pressure or other complications. A comprehensive bedside examination is better suited to identify potentially serious side issues and functional issues that don’t require medication or surgery to resolve.
– Imaging Tests
CT scans or MRIs can detect any swelling, bleeding, or structural issues in the brain that could cause symptoms. You should seek out a brain imaging study if you and your provider suspect structural damage leading to prolonged symptoms. Many mild brain injuries will present with symptoms but won’t show any structural damage.
Management and Treatment
Effective management of delayed vomiting post-concussion involves several layered approaches:
Immediate Medical Intervention
Suppose delayed vomiting occurs after an injury or illness. In that case, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to rule out potentially serious complications. Delayed vomiting, especially after a head injury, could indicate a more severe condition, such as a concussion or internal injury.
Seeking medical care promptly ensures that healthcare providers can address any underlying issues quickly and effectively. It’s always better to err on the side of caution regarding potential health concerns.
Medication and Supplementation
Anti-nausea medication can help control symptoms, but it’s important that it be prescribed by a healthcare professional who has confirmed that it’s safe and appropriate in the context of the concussion. More conservative approaches, like peppermint oil and ginger extract, can also mitigate nausea symptoms.
Rest and Hydration
Sufficient rest is crucial during the recovery from any brain injury, including concussion. Rest allows the brain to heal and reduces the risk of complications, provided it’s not beyond the initial stage of recovery. It’s essential to follow healthcare professionals’ guidance regarding physical and mental rest. This may involve limiting activities that require concentration, such as reading, screen time, or physical exertion.
Additionally, staying hydrated is equally vital. Proper hydration supports overall brain function and aids in the body’s natural recovery processes. Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms and hinder the healing process, so it’s essential to prioritize regular water intake or other hydrating fluids. Maintaining a balance of rest and hydration contributes significantly to a smoother recovery and improved well-being.
Dietary Adjustments
Consuming mild and easy-to-digest foods can prevent further irritation to the stomach and reduce nausea. Try eliminating gluten, dairy, and sugar for a month. If the gut is inflamed, these foods can reduce the overall inflammatory load and give you an idea of whether or not they’re contributing to delayed vomiting after a concussion. If you want to take it further, go on a total elimination diet.
Additionally, sipping on clear liquids like water, herbal teas, or electrolyte beverages can aid in maintaining hydration without overwhelming the stomach. Avoid heavy, greasy, or strongly flavored foods that could worsen nausea and discomfort. Choosing small, frequent meals rather than large portions can also help manage symptoms and provide the body with necessary nutrients during recovery.
Specialized Care
If your symptoms show up over time, there is a good chance some of the nausea comes from miscommunication between your primary sensory systems. These systems, which include the vestibular, neck, and ocular systems, can individually or collectively send wrong signals and trigger nausea.
The challenge in rehabbing multiple systems is that the specialists treating each system are commonly different providers. You can quickly end up with 3-5 different types of doctors, all trying to accomplish the same thing, with wildly different opinions and approaches.
We recommend starting the search for relief with someone well-versed in functional neurology. A good workup will include tests for all of the mentioned systems. From there, they can help guide you to the most appropriate care or treat internally if the collection of symptoms is a good fit for their office.
Conclusion
Delayed vomiting after a concussion is a noteworthy symptom that deserves your full attention. It can signal serious issues that require immediate medical attention or more subtle signs of an unresolved concussion.
If you suspect something serious is occurring, consult with a medical provider immediately and make sure you’re safe and cared for while you figure out why the nausea is happening.
Start trying to identify the underlying causes there so that you can chip away at each cause if you’re cleared.
Key Takeaways
– Recognize delayed vomiting as a potential severe symptom post-concussion that can indicate complications like brain hemorrhage or increased intracranial pressure.
– Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs hours or days after the initial injury.
– Employ comprehensive diagnostic tools like imaging and monitoring to avoid serious consequences.
– Adhere to a treatment plan that includes medication management, dietary adjustments, and vigilant monitoring through recovery.
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*Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Patients should consult their medical provider or primary care physician before trying any remedies or therapies at home.
