A small dent in forehead after hitting head is a common injury that may be a sign of trauma to the head or Gorham’s disease. This can be mostly caused by falls, accidents, or sports injuries. The dent on the forehead is usually a result of damage or fracture of the underlying bones.
However, it’s important to note that this injury is fairly common and nothing to worry about, as many people have experienced it at some point in their lives. However, if this small dent on your forehead concerns you, don’t worry.
In this article, we will discuss how to treat small dents in forehead after hitting head. And how to treat them with the proper care.
A small dent in your head(skull depression) can be a sign of several medical conditions. It can also happen due to any injury and may be genetic. Here we will discuss some conditions that can cause a dent in the head.
Skull fracture
It occurs due to blows or impacts on the head such as car accidents, sports injuries, and falls. It is also known as traumatic brain injury (TBI).
In the United States, there are over 1.7 million cases of TBI detected each year.
Four types of skull fractures include:
- depressed fracture
- closed fracture
- basal fracture
- open fracture
Of all these four types a depressed fracture is the one that is most likely to a dent in the head. The dent mostly occurs due to the displacement of the bone toward the brain area.
Symptoms of Skull fracture include:
- dizziness
- Loss of memory
- Fatigue
- Balance problems
- nausea
- confusion
- impaired vision
- severe headache
Gorham’s disease
Gorham’s disease is a condition in which your bone mass is replaced by other kinds of tissue and develops abnormal blood vessels.
According to the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, this disease is very rare.
Congenital skull indentation
A congenital skull indentation refers to a dent on the head that is present since birth. These indentations can be caused by some birth process or by the position of the baby in the mother’s womb.
According to PubMed Central, in Western countries, this condition is uncommon, and estimate that it occurs in 1 in 10,000 newborn babies.
The main symptom of the congenital skull dent is depression in the bone, and sometimes trauma is also a cause of brain injury in newborn babies.
Vitamin A Overdose
Vitamin A is a vital nutrient that maintains our immune system that supports the proper functioning of organs like the heart and lungs.
The condition of vitamin A toxicity occurs when the body accumulates an excessive amount of this nutrient. It mostly occurs when a person takes a high dosage of vitamin A supplements.
Vitamin A toxicity can result in a softening of the bones, including the skull, which may lead to the development of indentations.
Its symptoms may include:
- Feelings of dizziness
- headaches
- Sensations of nausea
Tumor
A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the body. It is uncommon but sometimes different types of bone tumors may cause a dent in the head.
Research in Surgical Neurology International has shown that tumors in the skull make up approximately 1-4% of all bone tumors.
Its Symptoms include:
- bone deformity
- Bumps or Swelling
- pain in bone
- a painless mass
How to treat a small dent in forehead after hitting head?
Treatment for a dent in the forehead depends on its cause.
But if your toddler or you have a small dent on your forehead head just by hitting with something or while playing then you can easily treat it at home by following these methods.
Use a Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress or ice packed with cotton cloth, on the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes. This is the most effective method to reduce swelling and minimize the appearance of the dent.
Repeat it 3 to 4 times after every 10 minutes for better results. And remember do not cool the affected area for more than 20 minutes.
Pain relief medication
Over-the-counter(OTC) pain relievers can be effective to manage the discomfort and pain you might be experiencing.
According to Harvard Health, the pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve, Anaprox) may be more effective than acetaminophen for some conditions because they reduce inflammation as well as relieve pain.
It has some common side effects like stomach irritation.
Use of Arnica Gel
Arnica gel or cream works effectively in reducing the swelling and bruising of the dent. Apply a thin layer of arnica gel to the affected area immediately as possible after you get a dent on your head. At least using it 3 times a day for better results.
Gentle Massage
Using flattened hands and fingers to gently massage the area around the dent in a circular motion. It can help you by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation and fastening the healing process.
Hydration
It is vital to maintain proper hydration during the healing process. If the wound lacks sufficient moisture to encourage healthy drainage, there is a high risk of developing an infection.
Give it Time
Remember that dents that are caused by minor head injuries often improve on their own over time as your body heals. So be patient and give your wound some time to heal properly.
Diagnosis and when to see a doctor
If the dent on your forehead is large and you feel severe or persistent pain. Then you should seek your medical professional. They may elevate your skull’s shape and may ask some questions about your family history and other symptoms you might having in the past.
There are some tests that doctor may prescribe you include:
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- X-ray
- Bone scan
Dent in skull after hitting head for child?
Accidents happen, especially with active kids. If you notice a dent in the skull of your child after hitting head, here’s what you need to know:
- First stay calm and check your child for any signs of unconsciousness, vomiting, or unusual behavior.
- If there is swelling around the dent, you can gently apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to help reduce it.
- Keep an eye on your child for the next 24 hours. And look for any changes in its behavior, dizziness, or nausea.
- If you see any of the above symptoms in your child contact your health professional immediately.
Remember, while a dent in the skull can be alarming, but it doesn’t always indicate a serious problem. Most minor head dents or injuries heal on their own with time and proper care.
Conclusion
A small dent in forehead after hitting head might be concerning if you feel constant or severe pain for more than 24 hours.
While many small dents heal on their own. However, you should seek a medical professional for proper monitoring of the condition, especially as it could potentially be indicative of a skull fracture or trauma.
And if you notice a change in your skull shape you should consult with a doctor. And note every symptom you face like headaches, vision difficulties, and feelings of dizziness, that could be connected to a dent in your skull.
FAQ
I have a dent in my forehead after hitting my head. Will it go away?
Yes, in most cases, a dent in the forehead from an injury will gradually disappear on its own as the swelling decreases and the area heals. However, if the dent does not start to fade over time, or if it’s accompanied by other worrying symptoms like severe headache, dizziness, confusion, or issues with vision, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
How long after a head injury are you safe?
The time it takes to recover from a head injury can vary depending on how bad it is. Minor head injuries usually don’t cause any long-term problems, and any symptoms usually go away within a few weeks. But, if the head injuries are more severe or caused by trauma, the complications can last for several weeks or even months. It’s important to closely watch for any symptoms and seek medical advice if there is suspicion of a head injury.
What are the symptoms of a dent in the forehead?
Depending on the severity of the trauma, there can be various visible symptoms of a dent in the forehead. These include swelling and bruising around the area, tenderness or pain to touch, discoloration of skin, and visible indentation where the impact has occurred.e area, tenderness or pain to touch, discoloration of skin around the area and visible indentation where the impact has occurred.
What causes a dent in the forehead?
A direct impact on the head or face area often causes a dent in the forehead. The effect can be from any kind of hard object like a wall, floor, table edge, handrail, or other sharp objects. If the impact is strong enough, it can cause trauma and create a dent in the forehead.
