Head Injury

[housebuyer]

9 days ago I was playing rugby and had an accidental blow to the side of my head above my ear. It hurt (a lot!) but I wasn't knocked out, didn't show any signs of concussion and there wasn't an open wound.

Initially there was swelling but that has mostly subsided but there's still some pain (although not as much as when it initially happened). Since the impact I've also had pain if I open my mouth too wide. It's not a jaw injury but a pain near the impact site on the side of my head above my ear.

My wife thinks it might be a hairline fracture but to be honest that seems a bit much to me - I did receive a pretty big blow to the head but I wasn't knocked out and there were no symptoms of concussion so it can't be that bad. Can it?

I suspect that it's just a bad bruise but is it possible to receive a blow to the head that's strong enough to fracture your skull but not have any symptoms of concussion etc?


Thanks in advance.

[Sqad]

I agree with all you comments and your diagnosis of a bruise.

There is a muscle...the Temporalis ....which originates in the part of the skull where you had a blow and is inserted into the temperomandibular joint which enables movements of the jaws as in eating and talking.

This is causing your problem.

No big deal......it will settle.

[janbee]

Always listen to Dr Sqad. His advice is always excellent and welcome. What would we ABers do without you Sqad and your freebie advice?. Well done to you. Never leave us. xx

[Sqad]

LOL. You are in the minority janbee.

There are many ABers who wouldn't agree with your comments......

[janbee]

Well in that case, I'm happy to be in the minority. I always like your advice.

[janbee]

You should be Knighted in the Queens birthday honours list. Sir Sqad ,for services to the AB health issues.

[TWR]

I would have gone to your local Hospital for a check up.

[Fusion5]

He also has warm hands and strethoscope Jan. {;0€

[bednobs]

if you have a fractured fACE, NOT MUCH OU CAN DO ABOUT IT ANYWAY

[ummmm]

True bednobs....I broke my cheek bone and it was a case of fingers crossed it heals correctly.

[Sqad]

bednobs ummmm..........if there is facial asymmetry following a fracture, there is a LOT that can be done......even in the initial phase.

[bednobs]

lol ok i'll shut up :)

[ummmm]

Well they can't put it in a splint or plaster cast, can they?

[Mamyalynne]

Surgery to plate or pin if things are badly aligned following trauma.

[housebuyer]

Sqad - many thanks.

Would damage to the temporalis muscle show up as an external bruise? There's never been any visible bruising on my head - just a very tender / painful swelling.

[Sqad]

No, a bruise would be unlikely as the muscle is covered by a thick membrane called the Temporalis fascia which would "hide" the bruise.