A common “bump on the head” is a superficial soft tissue injury, medically known as a scalp contusion or a hematoma. This type of injury is typically minor and does not involve damage to the brain itself. The resulting lump, often called a “goose egg,” is a clear sign of localized trauma to the scalp. This article focuses on the expected timelines and management for these minor injuries.
How Minor Head Injuries Cause Tenderness
The scalp contains many blood vessels and nerve endings, which makes it particularly sensitive to blunt force. When the head sustains a minor impact, the force causes small blood vessels directly beneath the scalp to rupture. This rupture leads to internal bleeding and the collection of blood and fluid, which forms the recognizable bump or hematoma.
This accumulation of blood causes localized swelling, which then presses on the surrounding soft tissues and nerve endings in the scalp. The resulting nerve compression and the body’s inflammatory response are the primary sources of the pain and tenderness. Inflammation brings immune cells to the site, contributing to the feeling of soreness and warmth in the affected area. The combination of localized pressure and chemical signals creates the hypersensitive feeling when the bump is touched.
Typical Healing Timeline for a Head Bump
The duration of tenderness directly relates to the body’s process of absorbing the pooled blood and reducing inflammation. Initial acute pain and swelling typically peak within the first 24 hours following the injury. This is when the hematoma is actively forming and the inflammatory response is at its strongest.
Tenderness usually remains noticeable for the next one to three days, coinciding with the period of maximum swelling and discoloration. During this time, the body begins breaking down and clearing the blood clot that formed the bump. Primary pain and sensitivity start to subside significantly around days five to seven.
While the most painful tenderness should resolve within a week, a slight sensitivity or a residual, firm lump may persist longer. It is common for the area to remain slightly tender to deep pressure or touch for up to 10 to 14 days. If the tenderness and swelling are not improving within the first week, or if new symptoms develop, medical advice should be sought.
Managing Tenderness at Home
Immediate care for a minor head bump focuses on limiting the swelling and managing the pain. Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the injury site is an effective strategy for the first 24 to 48 hours. The cold temperature constricts blood vessels beneath the scalp, which minimizes internal bleeding and reduces swelling.
The ice pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a thin cloth, should be applied for short periods, typically 10 to 20 minutes at a time, with breaks. For pain management, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen are recommended. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen should be avoided initially, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Resting and avoiding strenuous activity contribute to a faster recovery.
Warning Signs That Require Medical Evaluation
While most bumps resolve completely with home care, certain symptoms signal a more serious injury, such as a concussion or bleeding inside the skull. Worsening headache, especially if severe or not improving with standard pain medication, is a red flag. Persistent vomiting (three or more episodes) or repeated nausea also warrant immediate medical attention.
Changes in mental state are particularly serious and require emergency evaluation. These include:
- Increasing confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty recognizing people or places.
- Loss of consciousness, even briefly, or an inability to stay awake or be easily woken up.
- Seizures.
- Weakness or numbness in the limbs.
- Double or blurry vision.
- Clear or bloody fluid draining from the ears or nose.
These symptoms may appear immediately or develop hours to days after the initial impact.