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I fell down a half-flight of hardwood floor stairs and ...


Sent to Health Experts November 05, 2007 5:29 p.m.

I fell down a half-flight of hardwood floor stairs and landed on my back. This happened four hours ago.   I hit the back of my head and neck. I have no symptoms of a concusion...no headache, dizziness, nausea or pain. I hurt my leg.   Is it okay to take a nap?

Optional Information:
Female, Age: 61, California

Already Tried:
rest and ibuprofen
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $9   
Live Answer
November 05, 2007 5:37 p.m. (8 minutes and 42 seconds later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark


Dr. Steve: Hi--this is dr. steve...is this Rachelle?
Customer (name blocked for privacy): okay, I'm here.
Dr. Steve: Welcome to JA chat
Customer (name blocked for privacy): Thank you...my first time
Dr. Steve: do u feel perfectly fine right now?
Dr. Steve: how HARD do u think ur head hit the floor?...is there any bruising or swelling?
Customer (name blocked for privacy): Yes, except my leg hurts...swollen...neck a bit and no headache
Dr. Steve: ic
Dr. Steve: any difficulty TURNING your neck?
Customer (name blocked for privacy): no bruising on the head ...just the leg. I just want to make sure I don't have a concusion.
Customer (name blocked for privacy): neck hurts from a car accident in July..this aggravated it
Dr. Steve: what TYPE of floor surface did u land on?
Customer (name blocked for privacy): hard wood floor...dowm 7 steps and landed on my back with head hitting the floor
Dr. Steve: ic--that's a potentially serious fall
Customer (name blocked for privacy): is it safe to take a quick nap and to drive?
Dr. Steve: i don't believe u suffered a concussion--BUT, symptoms are often delayed up to about 24 hrs
Dr. Steve: not really
Customer (name blocked for privacy): what should I pay attention to?
Dr. Steve: unless--someone can CHECK up on u in 1-2 hrs
Dr. Steve: Watch for: vomiting; fever; shaking [like epilepsy]; severe headaches; visual changes
Customer (name blocked for privacy): I need to pick my daughter up from school...2 miles away. Sister is coming to spend the night so we're not alone.
Dr. Steve: ic
Dr. Steve: as long as someone can check in on u, then it's ok
Dr. Steve: and IF any of the above sx occur--then pls get to ER or Urgentcare
Customer (name blocked for privacy): can I drive 2 miles to pick my daughter
Dr. Steve: yes
Customer (name blocked for privacy): anything else?
Dr. Steve: no--just close monitoring for sx
Dr. Steve: for up to 48 hrs
Customer (name blocked for privacy): can I go to work tomorrow...interior designer and psychotherapist
Dr. Steve: as long as u stay sx-free, Yes
Dr. Steve: any other Q?
Customer (name blocked for privacy): no. thanks for your help
Dr. Steve: YW
Dr. Steve: take care.

PictureDr. Steve  -- Doctor (MD) -- 98% Positive Feedback on 1629 Health Accepts
Medical Doctor (MD): Board-Certified Family Doctor

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