When To Worry About a Dent In Your Head

Head injuries are often very worrisome. Anything from a bump on the head to a concussion can leave many worried about the effects these injuries could have on their brains and bodies. Though our heads do have several contours, including to the temples and some facial features, when a new dent appears anywhere on one’s head, it can obviously raise concerns.

It’s important to understand that not everyone has the exact same skull or head shape. Just like we all have our own unique set of fingerprints, our heads have their own shapes unlike anyone else’s. However, if a bump on the head creates a new dent or if one seems to appear on its own, be sure to take a trip to a doctor to determine the exact cause.

Potential Causes of Dents in the Head

Whether genetic or the potential result of an injury, the main causes of suspicious dents found on the head include:

• Skull fracture: Often caused by a blow to the head, skull fractures result from a direct force like a car accident, fall, or physical assault. Symptoms can include headaches, impaired vision, balance issues, nausea, and confusion.
• Brain surgery: After brain surgery, a dent in the head can be left behind.
• Congenital skull depression: These are dents present at birth. Though rare in Western countries, congenital skull depressions are often the result of trauma to the head during the delivery process.
• Tumors: Various different types of bone tumors can cause bone deformities or dents in the head. Symptoms of bone tumors include bone pain, swelling, bone deformity, and/or a painless mass.
• Gorham’s disease: This condition involves bone loss and abnormal blood vessel development, and often leads to an indention in the skull. Though the disease is rare, it can occur at any age and typically involves bones in the skull, ribs, or pelvis.
• Vitamin A toxicity: Too much Vitamin A can cause negative effects, typically including bone softness, including the skull, often leading to indentation.

When Head Dents Are Caused By Medical Malpractice

While there can be a variety of causes of dents in the head, knowing when they are caused by the malpractice of a medical professional is important. Injuries to the head, including dents, are most common with regard to birth injury claims, including those involving:

• Forceps

During a vaginal birth, birthing assistance methods may be used to free the infant from the birthing canal. Forceps are used during this process, as the curved metal tongs grip the baby’s head on each side to allow the doctor to pull the infant out. Despite these instruments being used on a fairly regular basis, however, they can be a cause for concern. Forceps can cause bruising and abrasions on a baby’s scalp; and, in severe cases, they can cause permanent disfigurement, such as indentations in the head.

• Vacuum extractions

Vacuum extractions during a vaginal birth involve using a soft or metal cup to extract the baby from the birthing canal. Unfortunately, however, the site where the cup attaches to the infant’s head can become bruised and disfigured if the pressure and suction of the device are not carefully monitored.

• Infant skull fractures

Depressed skull fractures are often the result of medical malpractice during the birthing process. These fractures result in the skull being sunken down towards the brain and are readily visible as indentations in the head. These specific fractures can come with serious complications and can result in long-term brain damage.

Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Attorneys

Medical malpractice is an unfortunate reality many often face alone. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers are often looked to for answers, as well as care. When this power is abused and negligence occurs, contacting an experienced medical malpractice attorney is incredibly important. If you or a loved one has experienced medical malpractice, the lawyers of Lopez McHugh can get you back on your feet again. Contact us today to discuss your case and schedule a free consultation.