What Does A Small Dent On Head After An Injury Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 16 Aug 2014

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

Sat, 16 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : HI My name is XXXX
My 1 year old daughter fell this morning and hit her head on a rock. When I went to feel her head I noticed a small dent maybe about a 1/2 inch wide. I took her to the ER and the doctor said not to worry unless(they didn't feel the need to do any imaging) I see any changes in behavior. She seems to be acting normally and was easy to wake up from her nap but I am still worried. I have not seen any swelling in the area yet and I just want a second opinion and to know when how long to monitor her/worry.
Thank you so much

Answered by Dr. Muhammed Aslam (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your doctor is 100% correct

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.

Following the fall,if she is had no loss of consciousness,and no symptoms like drowsiness/vomiting/severe head ache etc,we need not go for imaging.This just needs observation for 16-24 hours for the above mentioned features.If 16 hours past without these symptoms,significant head injury is unlikely.
You need not worry;be confident.

Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,Dr Aslam.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E