Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Lump On Right Side Of Head, Dizziness, Nausea And Headache
Question: Saturday late evening I fell in a parking lot and hit my head on pavement. I have a lump right side of head toward front. Last night I felt dizzy, today I feel nauseous and have a headache. Vision unchanged. Is this normal?
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Usually if there is a serious brain injury after a trauma it manifests during the first 24 hours, after that it is rare for that to happen. The hit with abrupt movement of the brain inside the skull can cause a mild head injury which can lead to a period with some headache, dizziness and nausea. So it is not something to be alarmed about, it usually subsides gradually and doesn't need any particular treatment (tylenol for headache is fine, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen etc).
You and people close to you though, should be aware though of possible symptoms which would prompt more close evaluation in the emergency unit. Such symptoms would be weakness of the limbs on one side, slurred speech, somnolence, confusion, blurred or double vision, vomiting or persistent increasing headache. In case any of those symptoms appear you should head to the emergency unit for evaluation and head imaging.
Another cause for medical evaluation would be if you have been taking some blood thinning medicine (aspirin, warfarine) or have some other condition which might affect coagulation (blood diseases, liver conditions). If you live alone with no one close to you in case of some of the above symptoms develop then again a visit in the ER would be justified.
If symptoms remain limited to some mild headache, some nausea and dizziness, without any other known condition or medication, given the fact that 24 hours are already gone you should be safe.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Usually if there is a serious brain injury after a trauma it manifests during the first 24 hours, after that it is rare for that to happen. The hit with abrupt movement of the brain inside the skull can cause a mild head injury which can lead to a period with some headache, dizziness and nausea. So it is not something to be alarmed about, it usually subsides gradually and doesn't need any particular treatment (tylenol for headache is fine, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen etc).
You and people close to you though, should be aware though of possible symptoms which would prompt more close evaluation in the emergency unit. Such symptoms would be weakness of the limbs on one side, slurred speech, somnolence, confusion, blurred or double vision, vomiting or persistent increasing headache. In case any of those symptoms appear you should head to the emergency unit for evaluation and head imaging.
Another cause for medical evaluation would be if you have been taking some blood thinning medicine (aspirin, warfarine) or have some other condition which might affect coagulation (blood diseases, liver conditions). If you live alone with no one close to you in case of some of the above symptoms develop then again a visit in the ER would be justified.
If symptoms remain limited to some mild headache, some nausea and dizziness, without any other known condition or medication, given the fact that 24 hours are already gone you should be safe.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
