Suggest Treatment For Swelling On The Head Post Injury

Posted on Thu, 15 Jun 2017

Question: I was struck on the side of my head with a baseball thrown around 40 MPH 14 days ago. I had difficulty opening my jaw in the days following, and a large swollen area. While most of the swelling has gone away, I now have a tiny pea sized lump on the side of my head near the area the ball struck. The lump is mildly tender if pressed. I also have noticed swelling in my temporal artery and some tenderness. I am wondering if this is a normal part of the healing process or if I should make an appointment with my doctor? Also what can I take to treat this at home?

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It could be a hematoma, nothing to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for trusting Healthcaremagic.
I have gone through your query and I can understand your concerns.

The symptoms you have mentioned suggestive of a hematoma. It is nothing but a collection of blood under the skin following a blunt trauma. You don't need to worry regarding this as it will subside by it own even without treatment.
You can take simple analgesics like ibuprofen or diclofenac for pain. Apply ice packs over the affected area for symptomatic relief and fasten the recovery. You can also try anti inflammatory drugs like seratiopeptidase for decreasing the inflammation and to reduce the swelling.
Most cases resolve in few days with these measures, if the symptoms persist despite all these take an X-ray to rule out minor fractures or contusion.

Hope I have answered your query.
Wishing you good health.
Regards
Dr Shinas Hussain.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Shinas Hussain (12 hours later)

Is the hematoma also responsible for the swelling in my temporal artery or is that just delayed inflammation from the healing process ? ,

Answered by Dr. Shinas Hussain (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up.
The other swelling could be also a hematoma or bruise.
The other possibility is that, In some people temporal artery is more superficial and palpable, you might mistaken this as swelling.
If you attach a picture ,it would be more helpful.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy