[18F] Experiencing head pressure when chewing following head trauma

Question

Anyone know what may be causing this pressure I can’t go to to hospital this week I don’t have a car

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female reports experiencing significant pressure in the head, particularly in the forehead and cheekbone areas, when chewing or turning her head to the right. This symptom started two days ago following an incident where she was hit in the head multiple times behind her ear, leading to bruising that appeared today. The bruising is described as light green and dark purple, with prior swelling noted. Initially, there were symptoms of confusion and dizziness, which resolved within an hour after the injury. Currently, there are no symptoms of nausea, vomiting, clear fluid discharge from nose or ears, or changes in the ability to smell or taste. The pressure sensation is described as severe, rated 7 out of 10, and is alleviated by stopping eating or chewing. There's no history of similar headaches, although the sensation is likened to the pressure felt when unable to vomit or after a head impact, but without pain.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you might be experiencing the following:

  • Concussion: This is a type of traumatic brain injury that's caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. Symptoms can include headaches, pressure in the head, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion or feeling as if in a fog, amnesia surrounding the traumatic event, dizziness, and nausea.

    • Treatment usually involves rest and restricting activities to allow the brain to recover. This means one must temporarily reduce sports, video games, TV, or too much socializing. If symptoms do not improve, a healthcare professional should be consulted.
  • Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ): This condition causes pain in your jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. The exact cause of a person's TMJ disorder is often difficult to determine. Your pain may be due to a combination of factors, such as genetics, arthritis or jaw injury. Some people who have jaw pain also tend to clench or grind their teeth, but many people habitually clench their teeth and never develop TMJ disorders.

    • Treatment of TMJ disorders might involve a range of strategies including pain management, medication, physical therapy, and in some cases surgery.

What you can do

You should definitely see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They may want to perform imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to check for any damage to your brain or jaw. In the meantime, you can:

  1. Rest and avoid activities that might worsen your symptoms.
  2. Apply a cold pack to the bruised area for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
  3. Avoid foods that require a lot of chewing, stick to a soft diet to help ease the pressure in your head when you chew.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Worsening headache
  • Slurred speech
  • Loss of coordination
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Unusual behavior changes
  • Difficulty waking up

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a concussion?

Common symptoms of a concussion include headaches, pressure in the head, temporary loss of consciousness, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and amnesia surrounding the traumatic event.


How can I manage the symptoms of a concussion at home?

To manage concussion symptoms at home, rest is crucial. Avoid activities that require concentration or physical exertion, such as sports, video games, and excessive socializing. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare professional.


What is TMJ disorder and what are its symptoms?

TMJ disorder involves pain in the jaw joint and muscles controlling jaw movement. Symptoms can include jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and a clicking sound when moving the jaw. It may be caused by genetics, arthritis, or jaw injury.


When should I seek immediate medical attention after a head injury?

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience worsening headaches, slurred speech, loss of coordination, persistent vomiting, seizures, unusual behavior changes, or difficulty waking up after a head injury.


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1 Comments


Leo#3962

9 mo ago

I'm so sorry to hear about your injury, that sounds horrible. I think part of that the pressure sensation is from a concussion. The fact that chewing or turning the head makes the pain worse likely means that a muscle was injured when you were hit.

Rest, Advil/Tylenol, and ice packs will probably help. If you notice worsening symptoms, especially unbearable headaches, call 911

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