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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Ct scan

15 replies

OLDwhyohwhy · 31/08/2021 16:57

I don't know if this is really an Aibu but I'm stuck

I bumped my head and blacked out on Saturday. Didn't think too much of it. DP found me on the floor. Scooped me up and just got on with it.

I've had a headache here and there since then and were now thinking maybe concussion.

I'm at a&e. They also think concussion but are happy for me to go home. My DP thinks I should get a scan. I don't know what to do. Can I ask for one? What does that involve?!

OP posts:

Rainbowsew · 31/08/2021 17:06

It involves a large amount of radiation (the equivalent of several months worth) and should only be used when clinically necessary not as a "just to see".

If the doctors are thinking concussion and happy for you to go home with observation from a adult that should be fine. You don't get to choose whether you get a scan the ED doctor would discuss with a Consultant Radiologist who will decide if it is necessary based on your symptoms.

Rainbowsew · 31/08/2021 17:07

It would show a bleed on the brain and fractures but you would have clinical signs of these conditions that the doctors use to make decisions on further tests.

Rainbowsew · 31/08/2021 17:09

Strict rules and laws govern safe use of radiation. The benefit has to outweigh the risk involved. There is risk involved with CT scans and they shouldn't be used lightly particularly in younger people.

AlphaBetaZeta · 31/08/2021 17:13

The clinicians will be using the NICE guidelines to determine whether a CT scan is appropriate for you or not - if you meet certain risk factors then you would be, if not then an alternative management pathway will be followed. You can of course ask why something has/has not been done and staff will be happy to discuss with you. Hope you’re feeling better soon!

Original poster

OLDwhyohwhy · 31/08/2021 17:23

Thank you! This all makes sense.

No I know. I'd rather not have one to be honest.

My DP is worried as I completely blacked out. The headaches are annoying.

OP posts:

Rainbowsew · 31/08/2021 17:37

It's understandable op, he's worried about you op but it's best not to have scans unless absolutely necessary. It was obviously a nasty knock and it will hurt for a while.

Get well soon x

Just keep an eye out for unusual/worrying symptoms which the ED doctor should tell you to look out for.

Fishocado · 31/08/2021 17:46

It is very understandable that he is worried - that's completely natural.

I to would have thought that headaches three days later would have warranted a scan, but the A and E team have clinical knowledge and are the ones who have checked you over.

Definitely go back if the headaches persist, or if things feel like they are getting worse - they should give you a head injuries and signs to look out for brochure.

Also, lots and lots and lots of rest if you've had concussion. Try and avoid screens and print and listen to music, podcasts or do something creative instead.

Good luck and hope you are feeling better soon.

suspiria777 · 31/08/2021 20:49

Is your husband a radiologist? Or does he think you should have a scan cos he's seen them happen on Casualty?

ghostyslovesheets · 31/08/2021 21:01

@suspiria777

Is your husband a radiologist? Or does he think you should have a scan cos he's seen them happen on Casualty?

that's really rude - he's obviously just worried.

You do need to rest - I ended up with 2 weeks off work after knocking myself out - completely surprised me how exhausted it left me - I did have a scan but only because after 5 days I was still really wiped out with a horrible headache

rest up - lots of sleep - no screens - hope you feel better soon

If it gets worse do go back to A+E

Yutes · 31/08/2021 21:04

I had a bad concussion where I got my words mixed up for a little while.

If anything new like that happens then straight back to a&e. They will have assessed you and decided that you did not need a scan.

Original poster

OLDwhyohwhy · 31/08/2021 21:10

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the responses. For me it's the not knowing and it has been quite scary. My DP thinks I'm slurring too. But I haven't noticed it.

@Yutes that sounds awful sorry to hear that. Can I ask what happened with you?! Did that present straight away?

@suspiria777 ironically DP is a doctor though this isn't his field I do believe he has more knowledge than most

OP posts:

Yutes · 31/08/2021 21:14

@OLDwhyohwhy I fainted. Hit my head. Blood everywhere. Not sure if I blacked out, as I was alone.
Went to a&e, was lucid and aware. They stitched me up and sent me home. Advised me not to go to sleep right away. A few days later I was still getting some words mixed up. But for the most part I was ok. It just took a bit of time. Had a thumping headache for a while. It was years ago now.

PenguinWings · 31/08/2021 21:24

Could you let your DH use your phone to look at the NICE head injury flow chart?

Original poster

OLDwhyohwhy · 31/08/2021 21:24

@Yutes wow. I'm sorry that sounds scary. Glad you're feeling better now.

I didn't see any blood so we didn't go to a&e that night. I'm back home now anyway so trying to rest up.

Thanks everyone for the advice and support x

OP posts:

Rainbowsew · 31/08/2021 21:39

If your DP is a Dr he should know what to look out for in deterioration of your condition and what to say to colleagues if a CT scan is really needed, he should know though that the radiologist gets the final say as they have to justify the radiation dose under IR(ME)R. I think often many hospital staff are not as wary of the risks associated with imaging as Radiographers and Radiologists are, that is their expertise and why cases get discussed with them before going ahead.

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