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Back head swelling
I had a headache for the past year. Recently when I completely trimmed my hair I saw swelling in my back side of my head .
Touching on the swelling area gives me pain throughout my head. What should I have to do. It's been a year
Answers (13)
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A persistent headache for one year, along with a palpable swelling at the back of the head (occipital region) that is tender to touch and triggers head pain, should not be ignored.
In most cases, this turns out to be a benign local cause, such as:
• Occipital neuralgia (irritation of occipital nerve)
• Sebaceous cyst / lipoma under the scalp
• Enlarged lymph node due to past infection
• Muscle knot or chronic soft-tissue inflammation
The fact that touching the swelling reproduces pain strongly suggests a local scalp/nerve or soft tissue cause, rather than a brain problem. However, since it has been present for a year, it does require proper evaluation.
Next Steps
• Consult a general physician or neurologist for physical examination
• Likely investigations:
• Ultrasound of the scalp swelling (first and very useful)
• If headache pattern or exam suggests, MRI brain (screening) for reassurance
• Treatment depends on cause and may include:
• Pain-relief and nerve-calming medicines
• Local treatment if cyst/inflammation is found
• Physiotherapy if muscle or posture-related
Seek earlier review if swelling is rapidly increasing, very hard, associated with fever, vomiting, vision problems, or weakness.
Health Tips
• Avoid repeatedly pressing or checking the swelling
• Use warm compress on the area if it relieves pain
• Maintain good neck posture and avoid prolonged screen strain
• Ensure adequate sleep and hydration
• Do not self-medicate long-term painkillers without guidance
I understand how worrying it can be to suddenly discover a swelling when you’ve had headaches for so long. Most such findings turn out to be treatable and non-serious, but getting it checked properly will give you clarity and relief.
A focused consultation can help identify the exact cause and guide you calmly toward the right treatment. You don’t have to live with this uncertainty.
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Painful swelling in the scalp should be seen by a general surgeon in your area to determine the cause of the swelling
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Kindly consult surgeon for the same
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Please consult a physician physically.
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No attachment available.
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Better ,if you attach photos of area where swelling occurs.please connect me on practo for better management and evaluation.
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Plz provide a clear picture of swelling ,so I will guide you .
Next Steps
send a clear picture of swelling .
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Need further evaluation
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Kuldip
General Physician
9 yrs exp
Gandhinagar
Hello
Thanks for query
Kindly visit your doctor for physical examination and further work up
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Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Need some more details kindly consult
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