bang to the back of head

[Cathyz]

I have a large dent on the back of my head as a result of falling off a swing as a child and landing on the concrete floor.  At the time I was around 6 or 7  years of age and foolishly didn't even tell anyone at the time that I did this.  I am now 31.   It's never really given me any problems up until recently when I have started developing migranes (don't know if this is connected) and also my 2 year old daughter accidently butted the back of my head last week where the dent is and since then I have been in a lot of pain.  Feel a bit too scared to see a dr in case it is anything serious but know that I should go.  But on the other hand a part of me feels like I should just hang on in and the pain will go away after all I have had this dent in my head for the last 24-25 years.  What would you suggest?

[Dr Sharma]

Hi there. Migraines are unrelated to injuries and they are a form of vascular headache caused by vasodilatation or enlargement of the blood vessels that causes release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of brain. Stretching of these nerves causes release of chemicals, which causes inflammation, pain and further magnification of pain. The sympathetic system is activated along with causes other associated symptoms of migraines like nausea, vomiting etc. Treatment would involve avoiding the triggers, prophylactic drugs like topiramate and treatment with triptans once the attack has begun. Consult a neurologist about the childhood head injury too as this needs to be ruled out as a culprit. Take care.

[SLadylani]

I would definietly suggest going to see a doctor with your new symptoms. To be honest, symptoms like this generally don't just pop up and then magically go away. The doctor in the mean time can at least give you something to help with the migraines. She may refer you to a specialist, such as an orthepedist or neurologist, who is more specialized in ordering tests in this area. The most likely test would be a CT or MRI which checks for any present or past tissue damage. It might also be able to tell if something is going on with the nerves involved in that area. The pain may also be partly referred from an old injury in the neck, where a lot of nerve are located. Really the doctor is only there to help, as scary as it may seem, and at this point, nothing life threatening certainly will be found. Good luck and keep us posted.

Sara RN