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Original poster

A&E or just stay home for this?

30 replies

jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 19:59

This afternoon, I bent down to pick something that had fallen out of the fridge. I stood up and, BASH, hit the side of my head on the corner of the fridge door

I've had pain there all day but no headache. It stings but doesn't feel like a headache type of pain, more of a stinging pain.

I was wondering why it still stung. Got a moment to myself and I can feel a pea sized dent in my scalp exactly where I hit it and the pain is. It's like a little dent

Do I need A&E? Can this not wait? I've had a look on google from previous threads about similar and seen other posters saying they don't actually do anything for it because you can't put a cast, even if it is pushed in a bit

I don't have concussion (not at the moment anyway). Otherwise fine

Shamelessly asking a 'what would you do' because I am a carer and going to hospital for a quick check or just to be extra safe isn't an option. It would take planning and agency bookings etc

OP posts:
Original poster
jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 20:02

Should also say, definitely no break/cut to the skin. That's fine, just a little pink from what I can see with my phone

OP posts:
Original poster
jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 20:06

Hopeful bump (ha)

OP posts:
1AnotherOne · 12/04/2024 20:07

Absolutely not an a&e job. Loss of consciousness, vomiting, vision problems then yes.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
RemarkablyBrightCreature · 12/04/2024 20:08

If you have no other head injury symptoms then I really wouldn’t. Google the symptoms of head injury. Hope the headache eases soon 😊

Original poster
jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 20:09

1AnotherOne · 12/04/2024 20:07

Absolutely not an a&e job. Loss of consciousness, vomiting, vision problems then yes.

NHS website says to dial 999, which is surely a huge waste of time Grin

I really don't feel unwell enough for A&E waiting! But just panicked because their website says 999

www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-injury-and-concussion/

OP posts:
Original poster
jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 20:10

Another website says

If an indentation develops after trauma to the head, immediate evaluation is necessary. Some head injuries, including skull fractures, can be life threatening.

OP posts:
Cocoalover · 12/04/2024 20:19

jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 20:10

Another website says

If an indentation develops after trauma to the head, immediate evaluation is necessary. Some head injuries, including skull fractures, can be life threatening.

If you're concerned, call 111, and they will advise you on what to do. Hopefully it's nothing to worry about

Boombatty · 12/04/2024 20:20

I agree. Call 111. Although I have to say that every time I've called 111 they've sent me to A&E.

Bramblecrumble22 · 12/04/2024 20:26

They probably don't mean a pea size indentation. And 111 is a check list and may I nessersarly send you to a and e. I would say it's a stay at home. Maybe icing it will help with the sting.

StringTheory1 · 12/04/2024 20:28

Stay at home. Friday evening A&E will be struggling as it is, without a fit & well person turning up to report a minor indentation on their scalp which is not troubling them.

Ineedanewsofa · 12/04/2024 20:28

If you call 111 and mention any kind of head injury they will send you straight to a&e so they aren’t going to be any help, frankly

Catoo · 12/04/2024 20:29

I would go to A&E with an indentation.

Torontorose · 12/04/2024 20:32

I think you should go to a&e

TroutRunner · 12/04/2024 20:33

I’d ring 111 who will likely send you to A&E.

Personally I wouldn’t take chances with a head injury that’s left an indent, even if it’s small. You only have one brain, after effects of a brain injury can be catastrophic, even when people feel fine after.

Yes it’s probably fine, but I’m not sure it’s worth the risk to not be checked out.

WolfFoxHare · 12/04/2024 20:37

Is it an indentation in your scalp or in your skull? Can you tell? I’ve definitely had dents in the scalp that are just a bit sore and get better on their own, but a dent in your skull obviously needs immediate medical attention.

Bumblebeeinatree · 12/04/2024 20:38

Cold cloth on your head, sounds like you will be fine. If you are worried go to A&E.

HesterPrincess · 12/04/2024 20:39

If you've got a local MIU I'd try them.

I had a concussion and A & E gave me an xray, and sent me home again with a leaflet Hmm

AtrociousCircumstance · 12/04/2024 20:41

An indentation is an indentation. Call 111.

Longma · 12/04/2024 20:50

HesterPrincess · 12/04/2024 20:39

If you've got a local MIU I'd try them.

I had a concussion and A & E gave me an xray, and sent me home again with a leaflet Hmm

Our MIU won't deal with head injuries no matter how small.

Sapphire387 · 12/04/2024 21:07

OP, if you are saying you have genuinely got an indent in your skull then you should go to A&E IMHO. If it's just the skin/flesh, then no.

I avoid 111 unless I specifically want them to find an out of hours appointment for me. I've found them very hit and miss, they use algorithms and the staff you initially speak to are not actually medical.

Original poster
jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 21:34

Sapphire387 · 12/04/2024 21:07

OP, if you are saying you have genuinely got an indent in your skull then you should go to A&E IMHO. If it's just the skin/flesh, then no.

I avoid 111 unless I specifically want them to find an out of hours appointment for me. I've found them very hit and miss, they use algorithms and the staff you initially speak to are not actually medical.

Sounds like a silly question but how do you tell the difference between an indent in the fleshy part on your scalp and the actual skull?

For example, I run my finger over it and it definitely dents in, but mildly, although definitely there

If I take a picture of the scalp where it's sore and was hit, it's a streak of bruise

OP posts:
Devonshiregal · 12/04/2024 22:53

jamielovesjudy · 12/04/2024 21:34

Sounds like a silly question but how do you tell the difference between an indent in the fleshy part on your scalp and the actual skull?

For example, I run my finger over it and it definitely dents in, but mildly, although definitely there

If I take a picture of the scalp where it's sore and was hit, it's a streak of bruise

Show quote history

Love get yourself to the hospital. You have an indent in your head. Everyone worrying about how a&e is busy-yes, but that doesn’t negate you needing medical attention.

Original poster
jamielovesjudy · 13/04/2024 10:38

@Devonshiregal I appreciate it, thank you - I did because of that comment

I have a (small) bleed on the brain. Currently waiting further instructions from medical team. I am otherwise okay apart from the stinging, so wouldn't have known something was seriously wrong without an MRI

Thankfully, a friend is managing my disabled DC. And my mum has agreed to help out too, although I know she will struggle which is a huge worry but will have to do

OP posts:
softslicedwhite · 13/04/2024 10:43

I've had mild concussion and you'd definitely know if you had it, you feel horrific, like your brain is rattling around in your skull. Even typing on here would be a challenge. So I think A&E not needed.

softslicedwhite · 13/04/2024 10:43

Just seen update and completely ignore me, thank goodness you went!

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