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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Head And Headache After Head Injury

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Posted on Tue, 27 Jun 2017
Question: I fell and hit my head. I have a goose egg and huge headache. But I also hit my elbow which is now bruised and quite swollen. It hurts to straighten, bend or touch it


I can't send the pic. It shoed up in my email but I don't know where to forward it
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Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Manifestations listed below would warrant an ER visit.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I am sorry about what happened to you.

Regarding the hit on the head, it is expected to have some swelling and headache, so if there are no other symptoms no tests are needed, only put some ice and pain killers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Signs which should worry you would be progressively increasing headache, nausea and vomiting, double vision or vision loss, speech issues, confusion or abnormal behavior, weakness or numbness of the limbs on one side and seizures. Such manifestations would indicate a brain lesion such as a hemorrhage and would warrant urgent imaging in the ER (emergency room). Usually happens in the first 24 hours, so it is advisable not to be alone during these first 24 hours, have someone close to you to notice any such manifestations.

As for the elbow, what you can do at home remain local ice and pain killers such as acetaminophen, it may be all what's needed if there is only pain. It worries me though that you say you can't straighten it. If there is limitation of movement then the possibility of a fracture should be considered, so you may need to head in the ER for an X-ray.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Olsi Taka

Neurologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 3673 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Head And Headache After Head Injury

Brief Answer: Manifestations listed below would warrant an ER visit. Detailed Answer: I read your question carefully and I am sorry about what happened to you. Regarding the hit on the head, it is expected to have some swelling and headache, so if there are no other symptoms no tests are needed, only put some ice and pain killers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Signs which should worry you would be progressively increasing headache, nausea and vomiting, double vision or vision loss, speech issues, confusion or abnormal behavior, weakness or numbness of the limbs on one side and seizures. Such manifestations would indicate a brain lesion such as a hemorrhage and would warrant urgent imaging in the ER (emergency room). Usually happens in the first 24 hours, so it is advisable not to be alone during these first 24 hours, have someone close to you to notice any such manifestations. As for the elbow, what you can do at home remain local ice and pain killers such as acetaminophen, it may be all what's needed if there is only pain. It worries me though that you say you can't straighten it. If there is limitation of movement then the possibility of a fracture should be considered, so you may need to head in the ER for an X-ray. I remain at your disposal for other questions.