Is Swollen Bump On Head After Injury A Cause For Concern?

Posted on Sat, 14 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 14 Nov 2015 Answered on

Sat, 5 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : 31-yr old son hit the back of his head last weekend while falling down drunk. 1 week later he has a large swollen bump on the back of his head. Bump is tender to touch and causes discomfort while trying to get in good position to sleep but otherwise is not causing headache or nausea or other symptons. Should we just wait for the swelling to slowly dissipate or should we go to urgent med center. He does not have any insurance or income at this time.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The bump should go away by itself.

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for the query.

This bump is most likely a hematoma. Due to the injury blood has appeared under the skin. If he has no headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and there was no loss of consciousness, you may wait at home.
There is a chance that hematoma will disappear in few weeks. However if any headache, fever, tenderness will appear, he should than consult general surgeon.

Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (1 hour later)

Dr Stanko - Thank you. This sounds like good advice. We will keep an eye on it over the next couple of days and let you know later if we have further questions.

Answered by Dr. Grzegorz Stanko (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
You are welcone. Feel free to ask.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar