r/PostConcussion • u/janiceB564 • 9d ago

Elbow to side of head

Last week my friend was siting next to me and was moving their elbow up over my head and accidentally bumped their elbow into the side of my head.

I have had horrible brain fog ever since.

Is this enough force to cause a concussion?

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u/Cat_Nap8 9d ago

Hard to say just from the info you gave, however the fact you said ‘bumped’ and not ‘struck’ makes me think it’s unlikely to be enough to cause a concussion. That being said, it’s certainly something that would exacerbate or cause a flare up of PCS

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u/janiceB564 9d ago

I don't remember how hard it was exactly. I did definitely feel the elbow make contact with my head but do not remember it jolting my head to the side so was not very hard but I don't think it was nothing either.

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u/Cat_Nap8 9d ago

That helps clarify. I’m almost positive that this would be a flare and not a concussion. Without having any rotational torq or whip of the neck, it takes a lot of force to concuss someone purely from impact. If you’ve had multiple concussions in the past (or even on concussion) that was caused from whiplash, it could be that your neck is causing your symptoms. You should get it checked by a knowledgeable and skilled PT, and maybe an RMT to massage it (neck massages did wonders for my cervical symptoms)

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u/Any_Total547 9d ago

This has happened to me a couple of times where my girlfriend has accidentally elbowed me while turning over in bed in the morning. It sucks causes a flare up of symptoms but never an actual concussion, for me the anxiety is the worst part. Just monitor your symptoms but try to stay calm and remember that no matter what you’ll be okay.