Everyone has a bump on the head at least once in their life. This can be quite harmless, but can also lead to life-threatening conditions. A bump on the head occurs due to a fall or impact, due to illness or has completely different causes. Since there are many causes, the treatment methods are also different. This guide therefore provides information on causes, treatment options and complications associated with it. It also shows when it is essential to see a doctor and what everyone can do preventively to counteract this condition.
What is a bump on the head?
By definition, a bump on the head is a “depression or “bulge” in the head area. It is always an unnatural appearance. The condition is not confined to a specific area on the head, so it can occur on the back of the head as well as the facial area. Usually, a bump on the head is also accompanied by discoloration of the surrounding tissue. This usually manifests itself in what is colloquially known as a “bruise.” The discoloration of the tissue can range from yellowish green to blue to a dark purple. In many cases, those affected complain of pain in the head area, nausea or are listless and listless. In some cases, fainting spells or visual and hearing disturbances may occur. To ensure appropriate treatment, it is necessary to clarify what exactly triggers tissue swelling. Because life-threatening conditions can develop in the case of a tumor, trained specialists must be consulted
Causes
As mentioned above, a bump on the head can have diverse causes. In most and therefore harmless cases, it is caused by injuries in the head area. This happens, for example, due to a fall or blow to the face or back of the head, or even in a car accident. In the affected area, blood or water can then penetrate into the surrounding tissue, causing it to swell. In addition, another existing disease may be a trigger. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism disrupts the hormonal balance. This can also lead to a change in the head area. The same goes for heart disease, circulatory problems, pregnancy, menopause or even protein deficiency. All of these things can cause an imbalance to develop in the body and therefore lead to swelling in the head area. If the doctor detects a bump that is caused by a cyst or even a tumor, it is imperative to seek further and quick specialist care. The tissue changes do not necessarily have to be malignant, but treatment must still be sought immediately.
Diseases with this symptom
- Head injuries
- Concussion
- Pimple
- Pus blisters
- Proliferation
- Cyst
Complications
A bump on the head should not be dismissed as a trifle. There may be a concomitant condition with any swelling caused by different triggers. This may be a concussion. Headache and vomiting are typical signs of the existence of a concussion. This must be treated by rest, otherwise permanent damage may occur. Likewise, a cerebral hemorrhage can occur, which becomes life-threatening. Smaller swellings are usually not dangerous. These heal by themselves after a short time. However, if they are more serious, the blood flow in the brain can be disturbed. Certain parts of the brain can then not be supplied with sufficient oxygen, which can lead to failures in the autonomic nervous system and even to permanent disabilities. If the affected person bleeds from the ear, this also indicates a serious injury. In this case, a doctor must also be consulted, as this may indicate a cerebral hemorrhage, which in turn could be fatal. The difficulty with head injuries is that x-rays cannot show bleeding in the brain. Therefore, continued monitoring of the patient is important. If the individual needs surgery for a tumor or cyst, appropriate follow-up is essential. Complications regarding anesthesia, infections or wound healing disorders may occur.Therefore, a certain risk is always associated with surgery.
When should you go to the doctor?
If there are no accompanying symptoms, such as headache or dizziness, it is not necessary to see a doctor. The resulting tissue swelling will disappear on its own within a few days. If pressure is applied to the bump, in most cases there will be a slight pain. However, this will subside as soon as the sensation of pressure ceases. However, if the pain sensation persists for a longer period of time, if it even increases or if it develops into a radiating pain, this should be checked by a doctor. In this case, other parts of the head may be affected and should be examined by a doctor. If there is no improvement in the course of further days, but additional complaints occur, a visit to the doctor is also necessary. These other complaints include fever, nausea and vomiting, headache, or visual and hearing disturbances. If an affected person faints, a medical evaluation must also be made. If a bump on the head is not due to any external cause, caution is also advised. Since there is a risk of a serious internal disease, a doctor must carry out further examinations to exclude or diagnose possible bleeding. If a bump persists for a long time without any of the aforementioned causes, its structure, color as well as size should be examined by a doctor at regular intervals in order to promptly detect any changes, such as a sudden proliferation of the tissue.
Diagnosis
Most patients can recognize and feel a bump on the head themselves. If this swelling is preceded by a blow or fall on the head, this may be the underlying cause. However, if a bump on the head is not preceded by anything of this kind, a doctor should be consulted in order to be able to make a diagnosis. The doctor will discuss the patient’s medical history to determine whether there are any previous illnesses. He will also discuss whether the patient is taking any medications, and if so, what medications he is taking and what his general state of health is. This will be followed by an examination, which will include a blood sample and palpation of the bump along with the surrounding tissue. The doctor will be able to test for pain sensitivity by pressing gently, as well as determine whether it is filled with pus, for example. If a clear diagnosis cannot be made even after this, the doctor will order further imaging procedures. These may include a computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and heart examinations by ultrasound. If a clear diagnosis can be made after the examinations, further treatment will be coordinated accordingly. A bump due to external force will quickly disappear on its own. However, if a tumor or a cyst has been diagnosed, it is a serious matter that must involve immediate specialist treatment. This is the only way to preserve the patient’s life.
Treatment and therapy
Depending on the underlying cause of swelling in the head, appropriate treatment will be given. If there is an underlying bump or fall, no special treatment is needed because the symptoms will resolve on their own. If an altered hormonal balance is the cause, remedy and relief can be provided by administering special drugs. These drugs have a regulating effect on the hormonal balance and drain the accumulated water from the tissues. If a tumor or cyst has been diagnosed, tissue samples must first be taken to determine whether it is benign or malignant. If it turns out that the tissue is malignant, it must be removed immediately by surgery. If the tissue sample is benign, drug treatment can be given so that the bump recedes. If there is no malignant disease underlying the bump, the doctor may also decide not to administer medication, but to treat the condition alternatively. To do this, he may use a stroking massage to gradually and gently drain the accumulated water from the swelling. Other methods include pneumatic compression or lymphatic drainage. If an allergy has been identified as the cause of the bump, priority must be given to investigating the substance to which the affected person is allergic. Once the corresponding irritant has been identified, it must be avoided. This may be an allergic reaction to certain foods, fragrances or certain fibers in clothing.Supportive medications can help the swelling go down.
Outlook and prognosis
As mentioned above, various causes underlie this disease. If the actual cause has been identified, a prognosis can be made accordingly. If the affected person has fallen or hit his head, this belongs to the rather harmless cases. Within a short time, the pain will disappear and the swelling will disappear completely. Therefore, no permanent damage remains and a complete recovery is realistic. If the affected person was involved in a serious accident, a traumatic brain injury may develop. If this is recognized and treated, there is a good prognosis for complete recovery. However, if a traumatic brain injury remains undetected and accordingly untreated, this can lead to the death of the person concerned. If an allergy is the cause, the trigger must be found as quickly as possible. If it is localized, it can be avoided. If the triggering substance is also avoided in the future, nothing stands in the way of a positive prognosis. The person can live symptom-free. With regard to a cyst or tumor, the prognosis may vary. If the cause is quickly identified and treated, immediate surgery can be performed. These operations are now no longer rare. Therefore, a good and complete recovery can be expected. However, if the tumor is not detected, serious problems can occur. In the worst case, the affected person may die from it.
Prevention
Unfortunately, it is not completely possible to prevent a bump on the head. However, if certain precautions are taken in one’s own life or in the immediate environment, grossly negligent falls can be prevented. Those who, for example, are exposed to an increased risk potential due to their profession or who also engage in risky sports should definitely pay attention to prescribed safety requirements. These may include wearing a helmet or appropriate safety equipment to prevent falls. If the hormone balance changes, this cannot be treated preventively. However, medication can be taken, if necessary, to prevent excessive fluctuations during menopause. The development of cysts or tumors can also not be 100% prevented. However, a certain risk potential can be reduced by a healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise in fresh air and a healthy diet. Those who abstain from nicotine, recreational drugs and alcohol will also spare their bodies unnecessary stress. To prevent life-threatening sequelae in the event of a bump on the head, a specialist should be consulted immediately who can carry out a comprehensive examination. Likewise, preventive examinations for older people should not be neglected.
What you can do yourself
Anyone suffering from a bump on the head does not have to panic. However, the affected person should see a doctor for clarification. In many cases, the bump turns out to be a harmless swelling that disappears after a few days. During this time, the person concerned can apply a cool cloth or compress (but never ice cold!) to the swelling. Rest and not too much physical exertion help with recovery. If headaches occur, a painkiller can be taken in consultation with the doctor for support. In case of an allergic background, the person concerned should avoid the irritant or banish it from his life. In this way, an almost completely normal life can be led. Those who get hormonal bumps on the head should take the prescribed preparations regularly to bring the body back into balance. Rest is also advised for cysts or tumors that require surgery. After surgery, the entire organism needs to recover. In addition, all follow-up examinations should be attended to ensure optimal recovery.