got nailed in the back of the head... nervous....

[red and lulu]

I got wailed in the back of the head today at work — a metal bar swung down off a piece of equipment I was kneeling under. It caught me totally by surprise. I didn't lose consciousness, and other than feeling starry for a few seconds didn't experience any pain or anything. That was 3 hours ago... when I picked up dd my mom said my pupils were really small (they are, but they are both small) and I'm feeling a little nauseous. I don't have a headache or even a bump on the back of my head.... but that makes me nervous because someone told me that it's actually good when a bump forms, because that means it's swelling out and not in, ykwim?

Anyway, I was at the ER sick Friday night, and have no health insurance. So I'm not keen on rushing to the hospital if I'm just being a nervous nelly. But as I was leaving work someone was like "Remember Natasha Richardson!" and that has me all freaked out.... I guess I'll just wait and see, but when they say "if symptoms worsen," what exactly does that mean? Like if I get a headache an hour from now should I go to the hospital?

Sorry if I sound ridiculous. TIA for the help!

[TCMoulton]

Since you were injured while at work I would assume that workman's comp would have to cover any medical bills you would incur. Honestly, I wouldn't mess around with a head injury. Natasha Richardson seemed fine too and her condition deteriorated to quickly for anyone to be able to help her.

[CarrieMF]

Not going within 24hours can cause problems with getting workers comp if you do end up going in later.

I would go in & get checked out.

[Ella Enchanted]

I'm surprised your employer didn't call 911.  By federal law, your medical bills from an on-the-job injury are covered by worker's comp.  Go to the ER if you haven't already, and tell them it happened at work.  They'll have some forms that'll need to be filled out.

[newmum35]

any updates?

[red and lulu]

I'm fine. I ended up calling a friend whose husband is an ER dr-- he said that I was probably fine b/c I didn't lose consciousness, didn't have a headache, and was coherent and articulate when speaking. He said the nausea was probably nerves. And with a laugh reminded me that what happened to Natasha Richardson was actually quite rare.

[newmum35]

thats good :)   Is it normal sometimes then for no bump to occur?  I am guessing you would have had a headache if something serious was going on (but not sure really)  - also was confused about the small pupils.  I guess only if they are different sizes it cause to worry?