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What Syhould Be Done For Bump And Bruise On Head After An Injury?
Question: I hit my head by walking into a glass door today at 1:30. I had my head down because I was putting my hair up with a clip. I was stunned and a bit dizzy right afterwards but I drove and conducted two bible studies. I had put ice on it right away but there is still a bump and bruise. Should I go to the doctor? This happened six hours ago. It still really hurts but no real headache just feel spacey which could be from heat today. Thank you
Brief Answer:
may need assessment
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are criteria that are used to determine if a person needs imaging after a minor head injury. They are called the new orleans criteria and they state that a CT scan is required if one or more of the following are present:
(1)headache
(2)vomiting
(3)older than age 60
(4)history of alcohol or drug use
(5)seizure
(6)memory loss
(7)visible trauma above the clavicle- this refers to any abrasions, lacerations, deformities or sign of skull fracture
Technically the lump on your skull would qualify as visible injury above the clavicle though a mass on the head is not an uncommon finding after head injury.
However in light of the spacey sensation you may want to see your doctor for assessment. It may be related to the heat but the head injury as a cause should be ruled out.
Dizziness or lightheadness are symptoms that may occur as a result of head trauma.
Summary: even though visible injury above the clavicle is common after head injury it is part of the criteria for scanning.
You may want to see your doctor for assessment
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
may need assessment
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
There are criteria that are used to determine if a person needs imaging after a minor head injury. They are called the new orleans criteria and they state that a CT scan is required if one or more of the following are present:
(1)headache
(2)vomiting
(3)older than age 60
(4)history of alcohol or drug use
(5)seizure
(6)memory loss
(7)visible trauma above the clavicle- this refers to any abrasions, lacerations, deformities or sign of skull fracture
Technically the lump on your skull would qualify as visible injury above the clavicle though a mass on the head is not an uncommon finding after head injury.
However in light of the spacey sensation you may want to see your doctor for assessment. It may be related to the heat but the head injury as a cause should be ruled out.
Dizziness or lightheadness are symptoms that may occur as a result of head trauma.
Summary: even though visible injury above the clavicle is common after head injury it is part of the criteria for scanning.
You may want to see your doctor for assessment
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much. I also called the nurse hotline of Empire plan and she had my husband examine my eyes. They are responding normally to light and are the same size. She said to have him wake me every two hours tonight and ask me my name. So if it gets worse at all I will go to dr tomorrow... Thanks again. I don't feel very spaced since getting home and into the air conditioning. So hopefully my spaced feeling was from the heat and humidity and I am fine. I do take four fish oil daily for my lupus so that may be why I have swelling. The nurse also said to ice it for 15-20 mins three times a day too. Do you think her advice was good? Do you have anything to add or subtract from what she said? Thank you again for your help
Brief Answer:
good advice, can monitor
Detailed Answer:
Hi
It is good that the spacey sensation is decreasing.
You can have your husband monitor you throughout the night and see your doctor in the morning if the symptoms continue. The ice therapy would also help to reduce the swelling. You would also monitor for vomiting, blurred vision.
As mentioned though visible trauma is a criteria for scanning, many patients have this and there is no significant injury to the brain in most so you may be perfectly fine.
God bless, please feel free to ask any additional questions
good advice, can monitor
Detailed Answer:
Hi
It is good that the spacey sensation is decreasing.
You can have your husband monitor you throughout the night and see your doctor in the morning if the symptoms continue. The ice therapy would also help to reduce the swelling. You would also monitor for vomiting, blurred vision.
As mentioned though visible trauma is a criteria for scanning, many patients have this and there is no significant injury to the brain in most so you may be perfectly fine.
God bless, please feel free to ask any additional questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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