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What Causes Swelling And Pain On The Head After Hitting?
My 86-yr-old mom fell backwards and hit the back of her head on a stepping stone so hard that you could hear a loud crack. She had a very large swollen (like half of a softball) immediately and severe pain. She also hit her right hip but she was able to walk inside. She kept a bag of frozen veggies on it for 45 min and the swelling has gone down quite a bit. She took 2 tylenol for pain and that has helped. Her pupils are not dlated and are of equal size. Does she need to go to the ER?
Mon, 24 Aug 2015
Hello!
Welcome to HCM! Thank you for your question!
Her age is really concerning. You should know that head trauma have different consequences depending of the age.
It is normal to have a bump on the head after a head trauma. It is usually caused by inflammation and edema of the soft tissues and possible subcutaneous hemorrhage.
I recommend you to bring her to the ER for a good physical examination and a brain CT scan to exclude possible intracranial hemorrhage or a bone fracture of the scalp. ( As you refer a loud crack was heard).
If everything results normal, I recommend putting some ice on the bump ,let her rest for some days, and avoid straining physical activity.
I would advise painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain.
Hope to have been helpful!
Greetings!
Dr. Abaz Quka
Welcome to HCM! Thank you for your question!
Her age is really concerning. You should know that head trauma have different consequences depending of the age.
It is normal to have a bump on the head after a head trauma. It is usually caused by inflammation and edema of the soft tissues and possible subcutaneous hemorrhage.
I recommend you to bring her to the ER for a good physical examination and a brain CT scan to exclude possible intracranial hemorrhage or a bone fracture of the scalp. ( As you refer a loud crack was heard).
If everything results normal, I recommend putting some ice on the bump ,let her rest for some days, and avoid straining physical activity.
I would advise painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen for the pain.
Hope to have been helpful!
Greetings!
Dr. Abaz Quka
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