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What Causes Purple Discoloration On The Eyelids After A Head Injury?

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Posted on Wed, 23 Aug 2023
Question: I woke up this morning and both eyelids are purple and also red directly under the eye and one eye is extremely red. Is this something I need to be concerned about? I fell a few days ago and hit my head really hard. Is this a result of that or is there another issue. I am very concerned as I have fallen a couple times and hit my head but no other problems occurred. I am 64 years old and worried about any other reasons there would be. Do I need to see a doctor or is there a simple answer. I am in extremely good health just had my physical and all was good. It is the fall that worries me very much. Thank you.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Unfortunately may indicate skull fracture, need to be seen as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

You need to be seen.

What you are describing is called racoon eyes after head injury. You may also want to check to see if there are any changes behind either ear.

These signs which can occur a few days after a head injury, are signs of a possible skull fracture.

When you are seen, your doctors would suggest an x-ray or CT brain, you will be alright with quick and appropriate treatment.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (7 hours later)
Can I wait a week and see if it clears up or is going to see a doctor immediately necessary. I am in TX and my Doctor is in CA. I was not planning on returning for a few weeks. What is a skull fracture? Is it serious?

What exactly is a skull fracture? Will it be ok if I waited a few weeks when I return home?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (33 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
A break in the bone in the skull, need to be seen sooner rather than later

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

A skull fracture means a break in the skull, the bone protecting the brain. You can check out the term racoon eyes after a head injury in your search engine if you wish.

No, it would be best to be seen as soon as possible, not in a couple of weeks. If it would be easier than seeing a private doctor, you can go to the ER department to be assessed.
With appropriate treatment and monitoring, you should be fine.

Hope I have answered your query.

Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16845 Questions

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What Causes Purple Discoloration On The Eyelids After A Head Injury?

Brief Answer: Unfortunately may indicate skull fracture, need to be seen as soon as possible Detailed Answer: Hi, You need to be seen. What you are describing is called racoon eyes after head injury. You may also want to check to see if there are any changes behind either ear. These signs which can occur a few days after a head injury, are signs of a possible skull fracture. When you are seen, your doctors would suggest an x-ray or CT brain, you will be alright with quick and appropriate treatment. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician