Scalp Bruise with Sleep Monitoring
A bruise (contusion) happens when small blood vessels break open and leak blood into the nearby area. A bruise on the scalp can result from a bump, hit, or fall. Symptoms can include changes in skin color. For instance, the skin may turn blue or black. Swelling and pain may also occur.
Because the injury was to your head, it could have caused a mild brain injury (concussion). You don’t have symptoms of a concussion at this time. But these can show up later. For the next 24 hours (or possibly longer), you and someone caring for you will need to watch for the symptoms listed below (see the Sleep Monitoring section).
The swelling should go down in a few days. Bruising and pain may take longer to go away.
Home care
Sleep monitoring
Someone must stay with you for the next 24 hours, or longer, if directed. If you fall asleep, this person should wake you up every 2 hours to check for symptoms of concussion. These include:
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Headache
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Nausea or vomiting
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Dizziness
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Sensitivity to light or noise
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Abnormal sleepiness or grogginess
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Trouble falling asleep
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Personality changes
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Vision changes
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Confusion
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Memory loss
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Trouble walking or clumsiness
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Loss of consciousness (even for a short time)
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Inability to be awakened
If any of these symptoms develop at any time, get emergency medical care right away. If no concussion symptoms are noted during the first 24 hours, keep watching for symptoms for the next day or so. Ask your healthcare provider if someone should stay with you during this time.
General care
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If you've been prescribed medicines for pain, take them as directed. Don’t take other medicines without talking with your provider first.
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Don't take NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Don't take blood-thinner (anticoagulant) medicines, such as warfarin, unless your healthcare provider tells you to.
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To help reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold pack to the injured area for up to 20 minutes at a time, every 1 to 2 hours, or as directed. To make a cold pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a thin towel. Never apply a cold pack or ice directly to the skin.
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For the next 24 hours or longer, if instructed:
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Don’t drink alcohol or use sedatives or other medicines that make you sleepy.
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Don’t drive or operate machinery.
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Don’t do anything strenuous, such as heavy lifting or straining.
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Limit tasks that need concentration. This includes reading, watching TV, using a smartphone or computer, and playing video games.
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Don’t return to sports, exercise, or other activity that could result in another injury.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as directed. If imaging tests were done, a provider will look at them. You'll be told of the results and any new findings that may affect your care.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Pain gets worse or can’t be relieved with medicines
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New or increased swelling or bruising
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as advised by your provider
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Redness, warmth, bleeding, or drainage from the injured area
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Any depression or bony abnormality in the injured area
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Fluid drainage or bleeding from the nose or ears
Call 911
Call 911 right away if any of these occur: