Bump on Back of Head: What to Do If You Have It

RAPID CARE ER

If you have a bump on back of head, it’s important to know what to do about it. A bump 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 bump on the back of your head. It will also discuss some of the common causes of bumps on the back of the 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.

Bump on Back of Head: What to Do If You Have It
Bump on Back of Head: What to Do If You Have It

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 bumps on the head

There are many different causes of bumps on the back of the head. Some of the most common causes include:

Head injury

When you hit your head on a hard object, the body produces inflammation to protect itself. This can result in an injury if not treated properly with rest and medication for pain relief. If there are signs of bumping or hitting one’s own head after this type of trauma has occurred then it means that some sort of healing process started from within which is trying its best at repairing any damage done while under stress.

Seborrheic keratosis

This is a condition that causes the formation of warts on the skin. The warts are usually benign and not contagious. However, they can become irritated and cause discomfort.

Folliculitis

This is an inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.

Epidermoid cyst

This is a small, benign cyst that forms under the skin. It is usually not painful unless it becomes infected.

Pilar cyst

This is a type of epidermoid cyst that forms around the hair follicles. It is usually not painful unless it becomes infected.

Lipoma

This is a benign tumor made up of fat cells. It is usually not painful unless it presses on a nerve.

Dermatofibroma

This is a benign growth that typically appears as a small, hard bump on the skin. It is usually not painful.

Pilomatrixoma

This is a benign tumor that arises from the cells that produce hair. It is usually not painful.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the skin. It can be benign or malignant.

Ingrown hair

An ingrown hair is hair that grows back into the skin instead of out of the skin. It can be painful and may cause inflammation.

Lymphadenopathy

This is an enlargement of the lymph nodes. It can be caused by infection, inflammation, or cancer.

Mastoiditis

This is an infection of the mastoid bone. It can be painful and may cause fever.

Craniosynostosis

This is a condition where the bones of the skull fuse together prematurely. It can cause deformities of the head and face.

Cranial bone tumor

This is a growth of abnormal cells in the bones of the skull. It can be benign or malignant. Treatment options depend on the type and stage of the tumor.

Masses caused by subcutaneous hair

These are benign tumors that arise from the cells that produce hair. They are usually not painful.

Treatment for bumps on the back of the head will vary depending on the cause. In most cases, however, rest and ice will be all that is needed to help the bump heal.

Diagnosing a bump on the head

If you have a sudden painful lump on the back of your head, your doctor will likely want to perform a physical examination and ask you some questions about the incident that caused the bump. He or she may also order some diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions or injuries.

If the bump on the back of your skull is the result of a concussion, your doctor will likely order some tests to assess the severity of the concussion and determine if you need any treatment.

Treatment

If you have a bump on the back of your head, there are a few things you can do to help relieve the pain and discomfort. One thing you can do is apply a cold compress to the bump. This will help reduce swelling and inflammation.

You can also take over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

In most cases, the bump will go away on its own within a few days. If the bump is the result of a more serious injury, however, more aggressive treatment may be necessary. This could include hospitalization and surgery.

Risk Factors and Complications

There are a few complications that can occur as a result of a bump on the back of the head. One complication is a concussion. A concussion is a type of brain injury that can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

If you have a concussion, it’s important to see a doctor right away so that you can get the proper treatment.

Another complication that can occur is bleeding in the brain. This is a more serious condition that can be life-threatening. If you have a bump on the back of your head and you experience any symptoms of bleeding on the brain, such as severe headache, vomiting, or seizures, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.

Bump on Back of Head: What to Do If You Have It
Bump on Back of Head: What to Do If You Have It

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.