Head broken or displaced?
August 2, 2013 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann
Four days ago, I bumped my head on a cupboard door when getting up. I briefly had a headache, but it went away after cooling it. Unfortunately, I had to go out again afterwards and I felt a bit nauseous in the car, which could also be due to the excitement. For the next three days, I cautiously stayed on the sofa even though I had no complaints. Now it feels like my head has a different shape (not as high on top and somehow different on the sides). It sounds silly, but could it be that my head has somehow changed? Are there any symptoms associated with this?
I'm not a hypochondriac, but I tend to quickly imagine things since I had to go to the hospital after being hit in the stomach.
Good day,
I am happy to help you further. After such an impact, a fracture of the skull bone is very, very rare, and even if a crack should have formed, a displacement of the shape of the head is not possible, as the bony skull is still held in its form by further solid structures inside. A displacement would only be conceivable in small children/infants, as their skull sutures are not yet fused with bone. In adulthood, a comminuted fracture would have to be present for the skull to deform in such a way. In your case, I suspect a possible hematoma swelling/bruising after the impact. However, this will go away after one to two weeks.
Cooling is correct. Rest is important. Headaches would not be unusual, but if they persist, you should have a neurological examination. Persistent nausea would be a sign of a concussion and should also be examined neurologically.
However, I do not think you need to worry, as you do not show any of the mentioned symptoms now after 4 days. Just continue to monitor this.
Do you have any questions about this? I am happy to help you further.
Best regards,
Dr. K. Hamann
