If you have a bump on back of head, it’s important to know what to do about it. A bump on head can be caused by many things, including a fall or a hit to the head. In some cases, a small bump or a small lump may not be serious and will go away on its own.
This article will provide some tips on what to do if you have a hard bump on back of head. It will also discuss some of the common causes of bumps on the back of my head and how to treat them.
What is the Bump on the Back of My Head?
Most bumps on the back of the head do not cause concern. However, in some cases, a bump on the back of the head can be a sign of a concussion or other head injury. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussion so that you can get medical help if necessary.
Symptoms of a Concussion
The symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person. They may include:
- Tension headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
- Lump on the head hurts when pressed
If you have any of these symptoms after hitting your head, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Potential Causes of a Bump on the Back of the Head That Hurts
There are many possible causes of a bump on the back of the head, and the reason often depends on whether the lump is painful, hard, soft, or appears suddenly. If you have a lump on the back of your head, a hard bump on the back of your head, or you’re wondering, “Why do I have a bump on the back of my head?”, the following conditions are among the most common causes.
Head Injury
A bump on the back of the head commonly develops after hitting your head on a hard surface. The body creates inflammation as part of the natural healing process, which can result in a swollen or tender area. A bump on the back of the head that hurts to touch or swelling after a minor injury often improves with rest, ice, and pain relief. However, if symptoms worsen or new neurological symptoms appear, medical evaluation is important.
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis is a skin condition that causes wart-like growths. These growths are usually benign and not contagious, but they may become irritated and cause discomfort. In some cases, they may feel like a small bump on the back of the head.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. It can create painful bumps on the back of the head that may be tender when touched.
Epidermoid Cyst
An epidermoid cyst is a small, benign cyst that forms beneath the skin. It is usually painless unless it becomes infected, although some people notice it as a lump on the back of the head.
Pilar Cyst
A pilar cyst is a type of epidermoid cyst that develops around hair follicles and is commonly found on the scalp. It often feels like a hard bump on the back of the head and is typically painless unless infected or inflamed.
Lipoma
A lipoma is a benign tumor made up of fatty tissue. It usually does not cause pain unless it presses on nearby nerves. It may be noticed as a soft bump on the back of the head.
Dermatofibroma
A dermatofibroma is a benign skin growth that typically appears as a small, hard bump. While it is usually painless, some people may mistake it for another type of lump on the back of the head.
Pilomatrixoma
A pilomatrixoma is a benign tumor that develops from cells involved in hair growth. It often appears as a firm lump beneath the skin and is usually painless.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer involves the abnormal growth of skin cells and may be benign or malignant. In some cases, an unusual or persistent bump on the back of the head that changes in size, color, or appearance should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Ingrown Hair
An ingrown hair occurs when hair grows back into the skin instead of outward. It can cause a painful bump on the back of the head, redness, and localized inflammation.
Lymphadenopathy
Lymphadenopathy refers to enlarged lymph nodes caused by infection, inflammation, or, less commonly, cancer. This may present as a painful lump on the back of the head, especially near the base of the skull or behind the ears.
Mastoiditis
Mastoiditis is an infection of the mastoid bone located behind the ear. It can cause a painful lump on the back of the head, swelling, fever, and tenderness that requires prompt medical attention.
Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the bones of the skull fuse together too early during development. This can create an abnormal bump on the back of the skull and may affect the shape of the head and face.
Cranial Bone Tumor
A cranial bone tumor is an abnormal growth within the skull bones. These tumors may be benign or malignant, and treatment depends on the type, size, and stage of the tumor.
Masses Caused by Subcutaneous Hair
These are benign growths that develop from cells involved in hair production. Although they are generally painless, they can sometimes be mistaken for a lump on the back of the head.
Treatment for a bump on the back of the head depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, rest, ice, and observation are enough for minor injuries. However, if you develop a sudden painful lump on the back of the head, a lump on the back of the head that hurts when pressed with no injury, or a bump that continues to grow or does not improve, you should seek prompt medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Diagnosing a Bump on the Head
If you have a sudden painful lump on the back of your head, a painful bump on the back of your head, or you’re wondering, “What is the bump on the back of my head?”, your doctor will typically begin with a physical examination. They will ask about when you first noticed the bump on the back of your head, whether it followed an injury, and if it has changed in size, caused pain, or become tender to the touch. Depending on your symptoms, they may also order diagnostic imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine whether there is an underlying injury or medical condition.
If the bump on the back of your skull developed after a head injury and is suspected to be related to a concussion, your doctor may perform additional neurological tests to assess the severity of the injury and determine whether further treatment or observation is needed. Prompt evaluation is especially important if a bump on the back of the head is accompanied by severe headache, confusion, dizziness, repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness, or worsening neurological symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for a bump on the back of the head depends on the underlying cause. If you have a painful bump on the back of your head after a minor injury, applying a cold compress to the affected area can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and discomfort. This is often the first step for managing a bump on the back of the head that hurts to touch.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may also help relieve pain. However, if you have a hard bump on the back of your head, a lump on the back of your head that hurts when pressed with no injury, or you’re unsure why there is a bump on the back of your head, it is important to seek medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause.
In many cases, a bump on the back of the head will heal on its own within a few days. However, if the bump is caused by a more serious injury or an underlying medical condition, additional treatment may be necessary. Depending on the diagnosis, this could include prescription medications, observation, hospitalization, or surgery. Seek immediate medical care if a bump on the head is accompanied by worsening pain, persistent swelling, confusion, repeated vomiting, loss of consciousness, or other concerning neurological symptoms.
Prevention
There are a few things you can do to help prevent bumps on the back of your head. One thing you can do is wear a helmet when participating in activities that could cause head injuries, such as biking, skateboarding, or skiing.
You can also make sure to create a safe environment in your home to help prevent falls. This includes removing tripping hazards and installing handrails on stairways.
When to see a doctor
If you have a bump on the back of your head, it’s important to see a doctor if you experience any symptoms of a concussion or other head injury. It’s also important to see a doctor if the bump is larger than two centimeters or if it’s accompanied by bruising or bleeding.
If you have a baby under one year old and you notice a bump on the back of his or her head, it’s important to see a doctor right away. This is because babies can suffer from a condition called Shaken Baby Syndrome, which can cause serious injury to the brain.
Where to Seek Medical Help
If you are ever in doubt about what to do when it comes to head bumps, please check in with a local emergency room or your family physician for advice and additional information. They will likely be able to help diagnose the injury and provide the necessary treatment. If you are in Texas and need immediate diagnosis and treatment, you can reach out to Rapidcare Emergency Room. It has offices in Katy and La Porte, TX.