Should I Visit the Emergency Room After Hitting My Head?
As a 27-year-old woman, I experienced a rather unusual incident yesterday when I was struck on the forehead by two laptops. Although the impact was painful, I did not lose consciousness. I didn’t experience any significant headache afterwards either. This incident occurred around 6:30 PM, and I went to sleep a few hours later, after midnight. Despite the unfortunate event, I haven't noticed any concerning symptoms, aside from a noticeable indentation on my forehead, which I am convinced wasn't there prior to the impact. This dent has become quite apparent to me, although it doesn’t really hurt when I touch it. My husband has suggested that I seek medical attention at the emergency room, but apart from this slight deformity, I feel perfectly okay. There has been no dizziness, no nausea, and no headache—just this peculiar dent. It has now been roughly 20 hours since the incident, and I continue to feel well, though the dent persists. To give a clearer picture: the dent stretches from the upper section of my forehead down to just above my left eyebrow, forming a fairly straight line. Visually, it’s hard to detect; I can only feel it upon touching. Its depth is likely less than a quarter of an inch, probably resulting from the shape of the Chromebook that struck me. Given that I feel fine overall, is a visit to the emergency room necessary?
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 10:50:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
Based on your description of the incident and current symptoms, it sounds like you have experienced a minor head injury. While you are feeling well overall and haven’t developed any concerning symptoms, the presence of a dent and the circumstances warrant some careful consideration.
Key Points:
- You did not lose consciousness, which is generally a positive sign.
- You are not experiencing severe symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
- The indentation may be a result of the impact, which could indicate a bruise or minor alteration in the soft tissue or bone structure.
Explanation
When there’s a head injury, it’s important to monitor for any worsening symptoms or new developments. The depth of your dent sounds minor; however, it's always best to err on the side of caution with head injuries, especially since they can sometimes lead to delayed symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye out for any new symptoms in the next 24-48 hours, such as:
- Severe headache that won't go away.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Dizziness or balance issues.
- Changes in vision or confusion.
-
Gentle Care: You can use ice wrapped in a cloth on the area to help with any potential swelling for the first 24 hours after the injury. Avoid direct pressure on the dent.
-
Rest and Observe: Continue to rest and avoid strenuous activity for the next day or two. Give your body time to heal.
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Emergency Room Criteria: Should you start experiencing any concerning symptoms, such as loss of consciousness, severe headaches, or worsening pain, seeking emergency care would be necessary. While a visit isn't immediately mandatory if you continue to feel well, it's good to stay vigilant.
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Follow-Up Care: If any unusual symptoms develop or if you have concerns about the dent in the coming days, consult with a healthcare professional.
It's totally normal to feel anxious after a head injury; you're taking the right approach by being cautious. If you need any further advice or become symptomatic, please feel free to reach out.
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