[25F] With head and ear trauma post-assault

Question

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Patient Description

A 25-year-old female reports significant swelling and pain following an assault. She was punched in the forehead, under the eye, on the chin, and on the upper neck near the left ear, as well as struck on the left ear itself. The swelling on her forehead initially presented as two large knots, which have since merged into one larger, more diffuse area of swelling. The forehead is discolored with red, dark blue, and purple patches, feels warm, tender to the touch, and has a shiny appearance. The patient also reports severe pressure around the trauma area. Additionally, her left ear is swollen, painful, and discolored. The symptoms have been present for 2 days. She experiences a severe headache but has not had any changes in consciousness, persistent vomiting, or fluid discharge from the nose or ears.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms:

Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Given the severe headache, swelling, and tenderness, it's possible you may have sustained a concussion or more severe brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, fatigue, and changes in consciousness.
- Treatment typically involves rest and avoiding activities that could cause another head injury. Medical professionals may recommend imaging tests like a CT scan to assess the extent of the injury.
Hematoma: The swelling and discoloration on your forehead and ear could indicate a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels due to trauma.
- Treatment may involve applying ice to reduce swelling and taking pain relievers. In some cases, medical intervention may be needed to drain the hematoma.
Soft Tissue Injury: The redness, warmth, and tenderness suggest inflammation and bruising of the soft tissues.
- Treatment usually includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

What you can do

While waiting to see a healthcare provider, you can try the following to help alleviate your symptoms:

Apply Ice: Apply a cold pack to the swollen areas for 15-20 minutes every hour to help reduce swelling and pain.
Rest: Ensure you get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities that could worsen your symptoms.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Elevate: Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to help reduce swelling.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Worsening headache or persistent vomiting
Changes in consciousness or alertness
Clear or blood-tinged fluid coming from your nose or ears
Difficulty speaking, walking, or coordinating movements
Seizures or convulsions

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If your symptoms worsen or you have any concerns, please seek medical attention immediately.

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6 mo ago

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[25F] With head and ear trauma post-assault

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?