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I Just Bumped My Head On The The Edge Of
Question: I just bumped my head on the the edge of a dresser drawer. I yelled, no ongoing pain, no bleeding. There's a shallow dent in my skull now. I really don't want to go to the emergency room.
What do I have to worry about? Not enough sleep last night, so would like to take a nap. Not supposed to go to sleep? Will this just heal itself?
Called on call family physician. Have not heard back. - 1/2 hour.
What do I have to worry about? Not enough sleep last night, so would like to take a nap. Not supposed to go to sleep? Will this just heal itself?
Called on call family physician. Have not heard back. - 1/2 hour.
Brief Answer:
Relax, this should heal on its own within a couple of days...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concerns...
Well, as per your description, the dent over the scalp region could be due to the injury and immediate swelling...
There is no urgent need to go to the ER for this...however, do watch out for any progressive increase in the size of the swelling, any severe intractable headache, sudden onset uncontrollable vomiting, any sudden severe black-outs, confusion, seizures or any weakness over any body parts (these are the warning signs in which case, you need not wait any longer and call for help and refer to your nearest ER)...
Yes, you can go to sleep, however, do ensure there's at least another person supervising your progress (some warning signs may not be apparent to you in the first place, which is why someone else's supervision is recommended)...
As of now, I'd recommend putting some ice-compression over the affected area...it's good there's no immediate pain, however, take a mild pain-killer (eg. Acetaminophen/Tylenol), have a lot of fluids and simply rest (preferably in a recliner rather than a bed)...
Be extra vigilant in case taking any blood-thinners already...
Let me know if I can assist you further...
Wish you good health...
Take Care
Kind Regards
Relax, this should heal on its own within a couple of days...
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome to 'Ask A Doctor' service...
I've gone through your query in details...
I can understand your concerns...
Well, as per your description, the dent over the scalp region could be due to the injury and immediate swelling...
There is no urgent need to go to the ER for this...however, do watch out for any progressive increase in the size of the swelling, any severe intractable headache, sudden onset uncontrollable vomiting, any sudden severe black-outs, confusion, seizures or any weakness over any body parts (these are the warning signs in which case, you need not wait any longer and call for help and refer to your nearest ER)...
Yes, you can go to sleep, however, do ensure there's at least another person supervising your progress (some warning signs may not be apparent to you in the first place, which is why someone else's supervision is recommended)...
As of now, I'd recommend putting some ice-compression over the affected area...it's good there's no immediate pain, however, take a mild pain-killer (eg. Acetaminophen/Tylenol), have a lot of fluids and simply rest (preferably in a recliner rather than a bed)...
Be extra vigilant in case taking any blood-thinners already...
Let me know if I can assist you further...
Wish you good health...
Take Care
Kind Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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