What Causes Cheek Pain After An Injury?

Posted on Sun, 23 Mar 2014

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

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 14 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell off my bike last Thursday and got a black eye, as well as swelling and bruising on the entire right side of my face. I went to the ER the following Saturday due to the extreme pain and the Dr. just made me follow his finger, said I was fine and gave me a tetanus shot and pain killers. The swelling and bruising have mostly subsided but my cheek bone still hurts. There appears to be some sort of indentation next to my nose and a lump next to that. I've had on and off headaches, as well as blurred vision and trouble breathing from my right nostril. Im concerned it is more serious than the busy ER Dr. said. Am I just overreacting or should I go see my GP?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer: I suggest you go to the ER. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. The symptoms you describe suggest you may possibly have fractured your cheekbone but I cannot be sure. You would need to be examined and possibly have an X-ray. You are not overreacting and are correct to seek advice. I suggest you go to the ER and explain your new symptoms. Take paracetamol and ibuprofen to help with pain. I hope this is of help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Regards, Dr K A Pottinger, MBChB FRCA

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