Scalp Bruise

Home care

General care

• You may use acetaminophen to control pain, unless another pain medicine was prescribed. Don’t take aspirin or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen) or blood-thinners (anticoagulants) such as warfarin without talking with your health care provider first. These can increase the risk of bleeding.

• To help reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold pack to the injured area for up to 20 minutes at a time. Do this as often as directed. To make a cold pack, place ice in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel or cloth before using. Never put a cold pack or ice directly on your skin.

• If you have cuts or scrapes around the site of the bruise, care for them as directed.

Note about concussion

Because the injury was to your head, it is possible that you could have a mild brain injury (concussion). Symptoms of a concussion can show up later. For this reason, be alert for symptoms of concussion once you’re home. Get emergency medical care if you have any of the symptoms below over the next hours or days:

• Headache

• Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting

• Dizziness

• Sensitivity to light or noise

• Unusual sleepiness or grogginess

• Trouble falling asleep

• Personality changes

• Vision changes

• Memory loss

• Confusion

• Trouble walking or clumsiness

• Loss of consciousness (even for a short time)

• Trouble waking up

During the time period that you’re watching for concussion symptoms:

• Don’t drink alcohol or use sedatives or medicines that make you sleepy.

• Don’t drive or operate machinery.

• Don’t do anything strenuous, such as heavy lifting or straining.

• Limit tasks that need concentration. This includes reading, watching TV, using a smartphone or computer, and playing video games.

• Don’t return to sports, exercise, or other activity that could result in another injury.

Ask your health care provider when you can safely resume these activities.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your health care provider, or as directed. If imaging tests were done, they'll be reviewed by a provider. You'll be told the results and any new findings that may affect your care.

When to get medical advice

Call your health care provider right away if you have:

• Pain that gets worse or that can’t be relieved with medicines.

• New or increased swelling or bruising.

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider.

• Redness, warmth, or drainage from the injured area.

• Any depression or bony abnormality in the injured area.

• Fluid leaking or bleeding from the nose or ears.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have:

• A stiff neck.

• Weakness or numbness in any part of the body.

• Seizures.

• Trouble staying awake or confusion.