Post-Traumatic Head Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention - Surgery

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Post-traumatic head pain can be a complex issue, especially when it follows a significant injury like the one you described. Given your history of head trauma seven years ago, where you experienced a notable bump and subsequent indentation in your skull, it is crucial to understand the potential implications of these symptoms.

First and foremost, the fact that you experienced a significant impact to your head, resulting in a visible deformity (the indentation), raises concerns about possible underlying issues. While you initially sought medical attention and were told there was no major concern, the development of intermittent sharp pain around the area of the indentation is noteworthy. This type of pain could be indicative of several conditions, including but not limited to:
1. Post-Traumatic Headaches: These can occur after a head injury and may manifest as tension-type headaches or migraines. The pain you describe, which feels like a pulling sensation, could be related to muscle tension or nerve irritation in the area surrounding the injury.

2. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leak: In some cases, trauma can lead to a CSF leak, which might not present immediately. Symptoms can include headaches that worsen when standing and improve when lying down, along with other neurological symptoms.

3. Intracranial Issues: Although less common, there is a possibility of complications such as post-traumatic cysts or other structural changes in the brain that could lead to pain or discomfort.
4. Nerve Damage or Irritation: The trauma may have affected the nerves in the area, leading to sensations of pain or discomfort that you are experiencing now.

Given that your symptoms have persisted and are causing you concern, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A thorough evaluation by a neurologist or a neurosurgeon would be beneficial. They may recommend imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to assess for any structural abnormalities, fluid collections, or other issues that could be contributing to your pain.

In addition to imaging, a detailed neurological examination can help determine if there are any functional deficits or other neurological signs that need to be addressed. If the pain is severe or affecting your quality of life, discussing pain management options with your healthcare provider is also essential.

In summary, while it is possible that your symptoms are benign and related to the initial trauma, the persistence and nature of your pain warrant further investigation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to head injuries, especially when new symptoms arise years after the initial incident. Seeking medical advice will provide you with clarity and potentially necessary treatment options to alleviate your discomfort.