Painful Bump on the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help

A protrusion at the back of the head?

Hello, I discovered a hard lump on the lower left side of the back of my head three days ago.
It hurts when I press it lightly, and sometimes it also hurts when I walk too quickly or turn my head.
It’s very uncomfortable, especially when I lie down and put pressure on it while sleeping.
I haven't hit my head, so I'm wondering why this is happening.
It feels like a bump from a head injury, but I haven't had any trauma.
Should I go for a check-up? Thank you!

Xiao Feng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/05

Dr. Jiang Hezhou reply Neurology

Dear Miss Xiao Feng,
Regarding your discomfort symptoms, physical examination is very important.
It is recommended that you visit a neurology clinic for further evaluation and management.
Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely, Changhua Hospital.

Reply Date: 2010/05/05

More Info

When it comes to experiencing a painful bump on the back of your head, especially one that has developed without any known trauma, it is essential to approach the situation with caution and seek appropriate medical advice. The symptoms you describe—pain upon pressure, discomfort when moving quickly or turning your head, and pain while lying down—are concerning and warrant further evaluation.

There are several potential causes for a hard, painful bump on the head. One possibility is a benign condition known as a lipoma, which is a fatty tumor that can develop just beneath the skin. Lipomas are generally painless unless they press on nearby nerves or tissues. Another possibility is a cyst, such as an epidermoid cyst, which can also feel firm and may become painful if inflamed or infected.

However, given your description of the pain and the fact that it feels similar to a bump that might occur after a head injury, it is crucial to consider other more serious conditions. For instance, a hematoma can develop if there was any minor trauma that you may not have noticed, leading to localized bleeding under the skin. Additionally, conditions such as infections (like cellulitis) or even more serious issues like tumors or abscesses should not be ruled out.

Given that you have not experienced any trauma but are still feeling pain and discomfort, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan, to assess the bump's characteristics and rule out any serious underlying conditions.

In summary, while there are several benign explanations for a painful bump on the head, the presence of pain, especially when it is persistent or worsening, should not be ignored. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns, particularly those involving the head. Seeking medical attention will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that any necessary treatment is initiated promptly.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Head Bumps: Causes and When to Seek Neurosurgical Help

I have a bump on the back of my head that seems to have been there for a while, but it has been painful when pressed. Recently, the pain has been occurring suddenly and radiates to my eyes, nose, and ears.

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery
Please schedule an appointment for the neurosurgery outpatient clinic!

Understanding Painful Bumps at the Back of the Head: When to Seek Help

There are multiple small hard lumps located on the right side of the back of your head, approximately 5 centimeters from your ear, which sometimes cause pain when pressed, while at other times there is no sensation. Recently, you have been experiencing a dull ache even without to...

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery
Please schedule an appointment with the neurosurgery outpatient clinic for a physician examination.

Understanding a Bump on the Back of Your Head: Causes and Concerns

In the past two months, a small protrusion has developed on the left side of my occipital region. When it first appeared, I experienced some pain in that area when clenching my teeth, but it has since resolved.

Dr. Gao Chunde reply Neurology
Typically, any palpable lumps should be located outside the bones, such as on the scalp or protruding from the bone itself. It is unlikely for something from within the brain to be felt, as it cannot be seen directly, making it difficult to assess. If the lump continues to grow, ...

Unexplained Bump on Scalp: When to Seek Medical Advice?

Hello doctor, in the past few days, I have developed an unknown lump on the scalp near my ear at the back of my head. It is usually not painful, but there is tenderness when I press on it. It does not appear to be particularly red or swollen, and it feels like a noticeable protru...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Without actually seeing the lesion, it is impossible to determine the issue. If it is very concerning, please seek medical attention as soon as possible. A proper examination is necessary to identify the problem and determine how to address it.