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PhrasesCar AccidentHo mal di testa e mi sento stordito/a.
A2

Ho mal di testa e mi sento stordito/a.

I have a headache and I feel dizzy.

Pronunciation

'Stordito' = stor-DEE-toh. 'Mal di testa' = mahl dee TES-tah.

When to use it

Tell paramedics or emergency room staff immediately after an accident. Headache and dizziness can indicate concussion (commozione cerebrale) — a medical emergency.

What it means

'Stordito/a' (dizzy/stunned) and 'mal di testa' (headache) are key symptoms of concussion. Italian emergency medicine guidelines recommend a CT scan for any accident victim with head pain — always report these symptoms even if mild.

Variations

Ho sbattuto la testa contro il finestrino.

I hit my head against the window.

Specifies the mechanism of head injury — relevant for medical assessment.

Mi gira la testa.

My head is spinning.

'Mi gira la testa' = I feel dizzy — very common Italian expression.

Ho perso conoscenza per qualche secondo.

I lost consciousness for a few seconds.

Loss of consciousness = definite concussion — immediate CT scan required.

Mini Dialogue

— Come sta? Ha dei sintomi? — Ho mal di testa e mi sento stordita. Ho anche la nausea. — Ha battuto la testa? — Sì, contro il poggiatesta. L'airbag si è gonfiato. — La portiamo al pronto soccorso per un controllo.

— How are you? Do you have any symptoms? — I have a headache and I feel dizzy. I'm also nauseous. — Did you hit your head? — Yes, against the headrest. The airbag deployed. — We're taking you to A&E for a check-up.

Cultural Note

Italian A&E departments (Pronto Soccorso) are required to issue a medical certificate (referto medico) for all accident-related injuries. This document is essential for insurance claims and legal proceedings — request one even for minor symptoms.