Forms the posteroinferior part of the brain skull. It consists of a basilar (main) part, lateral parts and occipital scales. All these parts surround the foramen magnum, foramen magnum, through which the cranial cavity communicates with the spinal canal.
Basilar part located in front of the foramen magnum. By the age of 18-20 years of life, it fuses with the body of the sphenoid bone into one whole. The medullary surface of the basilar part has the shape of a groove and, together with the body of the sphenoid bone, forms a platform inclined towards the foramen magnum - the slope. The groove of the inferior petrosal sinus runs along the lateral edge of the basilar part. On the lower surface of the basilar part there is a well-defined pharyngeal tubercle.
Lateral part the steam room has an irregular shape and, gradually expanding, passes posteriorly into the occipital scales. On the lower surface of each lateral part there is a well-defined ellipsoidal occipital condyle. The condyles, with their convex surfaces, connect with the superior articular fossae of the atlas. Through each lateral part, above the condyle, passes the hypoglossal canal, which contains the hypoglossal nerve. Immediately behind the occipital condyle is the condylar fossa. At its bottom there is a hole for the venous outlet - the condylar canal. Lateral to the occipital condyle there is a jugular notch. Posteriorly, this notch is limited by the jugular process directed upward. Next to the process on the cerebral surface of the lateral part there is a well-defined groove of the sigmoid sinus.
Occipital scales It is a wide plate with a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface. In the center of the outer surface there is an external occipital protrusion (tubercle), from which the external nuchal crest descends down the midline to the posterior edge of the foramen magnum. From the occipital protuberance to the right and left there is a downward curved superior nuchal line. Parallel to the latter, approximately at the level of the middle of the external occipital crest, the lower nuchal line extends from it in both directions. In addition, above the external occipital protrusion there is a less noticeable highest nuchal line.
On the inner, cerebral, surface of the occipital scales there is a cruciform elevation formed by grooves that divide the cerebral surface of the scales into 4 pits. The center of the cruciform eminence projects forward and forms the internal occipital protrusion. At the level of the protrusion, to the right and left there is a groove of the transverse sinus, which passes into the groove of the sigmoid sinus. Upward from the internal occipital protrusion there is a groove of the superior sagittal sinus, which continues into the groove of the same name in the parietal bone. Inferiorly, the internal occipital protuberance narrows and continues as the internal nuchal crest, which reaches the foramen magnum. The edges (lambdoid and mastoid) of the upper and lateral parts of the occipital scales are highly jagged; in these places the occipital bone is connected to the parietal and temporal bones.
73 days temperature 37.3. They detected pneumococcus in the throat, took the medicine, but there was no result Doctor! At the beginning of June, my daughter fell ill with an acute respiratory infection. The temperature rose to 37.2, she coughed a little, and had a slight runny nose. After a week, the cough and runny nose went away, but the fever remained. I got up in the evening. The girl felt well. Only when the temperature rises does the frontal part of the head begin to hurt a little. They did a blood test, ESR was 22. The doctor prescribed azithromycin. There was no result. They did a blood test again: ESR 31, CRP 6, sugar 5.6. steel indicators are normal. We took a throat swab for microflora and sensitivity. Pneumococcus was discovered. We took chloramphenicol. They took an x-ray, which showed that the lungs were clear. Blood test is more or less normal: ESR 16, CRP 6, sugar 5.6. All this time the temperature rises daily in the evenings 37-37.3. The child began to experience chills and weakness. The frontal part of the head also hurts when the temperature rises. There are no more symptoms. Yesterday, a blood test again showed ESR 30, CRP 6. The child has been sick for three months of summer and we don’t know the reason. Doctor, please tell me, is there any reason to believe that the child may have pneumococcal meningitis, which is protracted? We don’t know what to think anymore. I beg you not to leave my question unattended! Sincerely, Natalya Gennadievna Golovanova.
The occipital bone is considered the most massive in the skull, fixes the anatomical structures in the occipital region, and protects the posterior parts of the brain from damage.
There are many reasons for pain in the back of the head. This may be a consequence of nervous strain, fatigue from excessive physical or mental stress, after a long stay in an uncomfortable position or intense training. Pain in the back of the head due to deformation of osteophytes in the cervical spine, the appearance of growths on the bones due to salt deposition or degeneration of ligaments. The pain intensifies in the back of the head when turning the head, radiates to the neck, jaw, back of the head, eyes and ears when the neck muscles tighten as a result of poor posture and severe nervous tension.
- Neuralgia of the occipital nerve. With the development of pathology in the cervical spine: osteochondrosis or spondyloarthrosis, pain in the back of the head, dizziness, and a feeling of stiffness and tightness in the shoulders. With trigeminal neuralgia, the pain spreads to the lower jaw and ears, increases when turning the head, coughing, sneezing, pulsates at one point of the head, radiates to the back, jaw, temples, and pain in the back of the head.
- Colds, hypothermia. Shooting pain appears when turning the head, sneezing, coughing.
- Arterial hypertension, in which it compresses, stiffens the muscles, jaw and hurts in the back of the head.
- Cervical migraine, acute pain in the morning in the occipital and temporal parts, darkness in the eyes, noise in the ears, hearing impairment, dizziness. Migraine can be a genetic pathology and remain dormant for a long time, becoming activated only against the background of provoking factors. It begins to progress rapidly, manifesting itself in attacks, surges in blood pressure after taking hormonal drugs in large doses, sudden changes in weather, radiating to the bones of the neck, jaw, back, overexertion after intense training or mental activity, and excessive alcohol intake.
- Vertebrobasilar syndrome appears with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, when there is noise in the ears, pain in the back of the head, and a veil covers the eyes. It seems, especially after an intense workout or taking large doses of alcohol, that everything around you is spinning, spinning, double.
Many people experience constant pain in the back of their head. Many factors can provoke occipital pain, which is often painful, long-lasting, radiating to the jaw, and cannot be relieved even with pills. The pathology can be congenital, acquired or kinetic, when intracranial pressure jumps, which is often observed in women after 40 years.
Pain in the back of the head as a result of:
- hypertensive crisis;
- chronic stress;
- excessive muscle strain or staying toned for a long time;
- malocclusion;
- deformation of the temporomandibular joints, resulting in nausea, dizziness, impaired hearing and coordination of movements. Even analgesics do not help; there is a shooting pain that radiates to the bone in the neck and jaw;
- strains of the neck muscles after intense training, also in case of hypothermia, bruise, injury due to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the sore spot;
- post-traumatic intracranial pressure, concussion of the cerebellum, an acute, shooting pain appears in one point, localized to the jaw and occipital part, but the pain is well relieved by anesthetic tablets.
- smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol;
- constant stress;
- a sedentary lifestyle, staying in an uncomfortable position or prolonged exercise, which often happens while sleeping.
Unfortunately, painkillers do not always help with pain in the back of the head. Serious systemic physiological changes occur in the body, requiring identification of the main cause that provoked the pain in the back of the head, comprehensive diagnostics, and blood tests (general and biochemistry). Perhaps a malignant tumor has appeared in one of the brain structures, or the body is experiencing a pre-stroke state.
Pain in one point of the head is migrating, usually occurring suddenly and lasting no more than 1-3 seconds. Point pain is rare and, as a rule, does not pose a threat to human health. It hurts in the back of the head, has an exact location, you can point with one finger where it hurts: in the temporal part or on the back of the head. Pain is more common in women over 40 years of age who suffer from migraines and paroxysmal headaches in one point. As a rule, special treatment for such pain is not required; it is enough to take painkillers: indomethacin, melatonin, nurofen, sedalgin, solpadeine.
With a migraine in the temporal part, the patient perceives pain as if at one point, which pulsates and swells. Before attacks there is:
- lacrimation;
- redness of the eyes;
- sagging lower eyelid;
- constriction of the pupil of the eye on the painful side;
- swelling of the nasal mucosa;
- difficulty breathing;
- copious discharge from the nasal cavity.
During attacks of pain in one part of the bone at the back of the head, intramuscular administration of triptan drugs is indicated. For prevention purposes, glucocorticoids are prescribed. In severe cases, radiofrequency ablation of the trigeminal ganglion is performed to stimulate the occipital nerve in one of the posterior parts of the hypothalamus in the neck.
Pain in the neck and back of the head can be different and the causes are also different. Patients often complain that pain lasts a long time and cannot be treated with painkillers; however, any pain is a symptom and is dangerous, regardless of the cause of its occurrence.
There may be a pinched nerve or nerve endings in the cervical spine, compression or displacement of the vertebrae. Pain in the back of the head and the right side of the head in the morning with arterial hypertension, compresses the temples and the head area, hearing and vision decrease. Antispasmodics usually help with cerebral vascular spasms. However, not all types of pain can be relieved even with the most powerful painkillers. Pain in the back of the head from overexertion, stress, poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, and pills do not always help. If the unpleasant symptoms are not caused by a disease, then the best medicines are: relaxing acupressure, proper rest, normalization of nutrition, maintaining posture, placing a special cushion under the neck when working sedentarily for a long time, for example, at the computer. This applies to office workers who often suffer from cervical migraines. You need to move more, sit less in one position for a long time, and after work do a neck massage in the back of the head.
For chronic pain, a head massage helps relieve attacks of headaches in the back of the head. For cervical osteochondrosis, some folk remedies and homeopathic preparations are effective.
You need the help of specialists if you experience pain in the back of your head. Self-medication is not recommended. Some folk remedies, warming ointments and gels can relieve unpleasant symptoms and alleviate the condition for a while, for example, after an intense and long workout, but this is not a way out. If the cause of pain is a disease, then it requires establishing the true root cause of the disease, undergoing a comprehensive examination, CT, MRI, and Doppler sonography of the brain. The only exception when the help of doctors is not really required is the appearance of pain in the back of the head against the background of emotional or mental stress. It is advised to calm down, massage the neck area, carry out a relaxation procedure, and then take a contrast shower. You may be advised by your doctor to temporarily wear a neck bracing device to relieve stress and tension from the muscles at the back of your head.
It is necessary to ventilate the room more often, if there is constant pain, apply warm compresses from infusions of medicinal herbs to the back of the head, drink more hot tea, stay in the fresh air, avoid alcohol and smoking, dose sports activities, try to constantly keep the neck as relaxed as possible, and do not overstrain the bone the back of the head and neck muscles, place an orthopedic cushion under the head and jaw during sedentary work.
Treatment of many diseases, if the pain in the back of the head does not go away for a long time, requires a serious and professional approach. The complex of necessary measures includes many processes and actions. For this reason, actions aimed at preventing the occurrence of illnesses are fundamental in the life processes of any person.
There is no need to worry too much if you notice a lump or ball on the back of your head. Most of them, as a rule, do not pose any danger. However, it is recommended to visit a doctor after the appearance of such a formation, especially if it causes concern, in order to establish a correct diagnosis.
Painful balls or bumps on the back of the head that appear suddenly within a day or two can be caused by infection or injury. If the formation was caused by an infection, the area around it will be red and warm to the touch. You can always consult a doctor for advice. A lump in the neck or back of the head most often represents:
- Injury. You may, for example, hit something and unconsciously not notice it or soon forget it
- Enlarged lymph nodes. Usually indicates that you have an infection.
- Skin neoplasms- These are harmless soft and less often hard growths on the skin that are a cosmetic defect.
- Cysts-fluid-filled bumps that may disappear on their own. They usually do not require any medical treatment.
But there are other reasons, which are discussed in more detail below.
Causes
If a lump under the skin in the back of the head causes pain, then it is difficult not to notice it and not think about it. People can sometimes live with painless growths for years, paying attention to them only occasionally, for example, when combing, styling their hair or cutting their hair. Moreover, often the same reason may be accompanied by unpleasant sensations, or may not physically bother you at all.
Main reasons include:
Lipoma
Lipoma (wen)This is a tumor that is mainly composed of fat cells. It is a capsule that usually feels like a soft and mobile lump. The reasons for its occurrence are unknown, although it is believed that they may be genetic.
Symptoms include:
- A small bump that may become larger over time
- Feels like a soft and doughy ball
- Pain may occur if it continues to grow
Atheroma
Atheroma This is a small cyst that appears when the sebaceous gland is blocked. They are usually harmless. However, it is important to have a doctor examine these growths, especially when they begin to change in appearance, size, or shape.
Symptoms of atheroma include:
- They may ooze, leaving a dry crust over time.
- The scalp is flaky in this area
- Sometimes they may encyst and turn into hard lumps
- May become inflamed, painful, swollen and red
Hair (follicular) cyst
pilar cyst This is a type of cyst that forms in the area of the hair follicles. It is a type of the above-mentioned atheroma, along with an epidermal cyst.
The pilar cyst is filled with keratin, which helps your hair grow. These lesions mainly affect the scalp, but can also be found in any other part of the body where hair grows.
May develop into cancer in rare cases. Therefore, many doctors prefer to remove them to be on the safe side.
Symptoms include:
- Presence of a hard lump on the back of the head
- Inflammation
Ingrown hairs
Bumps due to ingrown hairs The reason for the appearance of a hard ball can be as simple as... These growths can appear after shaving, cutting or damage to the hair as a result of the cut hair continuing to grow inside your skin next to the follicle.
The problem is common among people who regularly shave their hair, in this case the back of their head. Ingrown hairs should be examined for signs of infection, which can cause them to grow to the size of a noticeable bump. Common symptoms of its presence include:
- Redness
- Painful bump that looks like a pimple
Gout
Tophi with gout on the head most often form on the auricle. But there are also atypical cases involving other areas of the head and neck () This disease is characterized by increased levels of uric acid in the blood. This is a form of arthritis that also causes joint pain. Uric acid forms crystals, which then accumulate in your body.
Clusters of such crystals are called tophi or gouty nodes. They can form in areas such as the head, fingers, joints, and also on the earlobes. Tophi are known to be extremely painful, but the pain usually goes away when the level of uric acid in the blood begins to decrease.
Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Swelling and redness in the affected area
- Fever
- Problems walking
Keloid acne
The condition is also called papillary dermatitis. But the term “keloid acne” is not entirely correct, since it is not acne, but a severe form of folliculitis. Moreover, histologically the lesions are not keloid scars. They form almost exclusively on the back of the head, and are found only in black men who serve in the army and shave the back of their heads. For example, in the USA, this is a massive problem for African-American military personnel, so even protocols have been developed to prevent it. In the early stages, keloid acne can be treated well, but in advanced stages the prognosis is not so favorable.
Attached tick or Lyme disease
After the bite of an infected tick, a small papule appears, around which redness spreads more and more every day - this is the beginning of Lyme disease The tick can also transmit Lyme disease, one of the first symptoms of which is sometimes the formation of a small nodule (papule), although not always. Its appearance usually takes about three days from the moment of the bite. Other symptoms of this serious infection include:
- Headache
- Fever
- Nausea
- Joint pain
- Rash at the site of the bite
Painful lump on the back of the head
There are several different reasons why painful lumps may form under the skin on the back of your head. This may be inflammation of the lymph nodes or enlargement of the salivary glands, as well as atheroma or lipoma, which sometimes begin to hurt.
An inflamed lymph node is one of the causes of painful lumps The reasons associated with enlarged lymphatic nodes or salivary glands can be as minor as an allergic reaction or quite serious, such as oral cancer.
The reason why the lymph nodes in the cervical region are inflamed may be bacteria. But there are also cases when viruses are to blame, which can be a symptom of the following diseases:
- Rubella
- Herpes
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Viral pharyngitis
Additional causes that may contribute to swelling in this area include:
- Allergic reactions
- Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Allergy to medications
- Oral cancer
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
- Food allergies
- Leukemia
- Thyroid disease
A soft skin formation that appears on the back of the head may be an atheroma or a lipoma. Although most often they are not painful, this can change over time. A medical examination is mandatory to determine the correct diagnosis.
A lump on the back of the head can also be painful or not, depending on whether it is benign or malignant. The actual cause can only be determined through a medical examination.
You can always try to use proven home remedies to get rid of bumps that are not dangerous to your health. However, it is important that the doctor conduct a preliminary examination of this formation.
A lump that doesn't hurt
The appearance of a lump on the back of the head can be a cause for concern even when it does not hurt. It is better to visit a doctor instead of waiting for the formation to go away on its own. Most of the causes described in the article that are not related to inflammation most often do not cause pain.
Lump on the back of the neck
The appearance of a lump in this area can also be a sign of malignancy or infection. The lump on the back of the neck can be soft and tender or, on the contrary, hard and tough. It can originate just under the skin or much deeper.
Many tissues, organs and muscles are located near the back of your head and neck. They include:
- Arteries and veins
- Neck muscles
- Cervical vertebrae
- The lymph nodes
- Salivary glands
Enlarged lymph nodes are considered the main cause of the appearance of balls and bumps on the back of the neck. Lymph nodes are made up of cells that help your body fight infections and also prevent cancer cells from spreading. These protective organs enlarge when you are sick to help your body fight infections.
Additional causes of swollen lymph nodes may include:
- Pharyngitis
- Sinus infection
- Dental infections
- Ear infections
Lump on the back of the head behind the ear
There are a number of different reasons for the appearance. They also tend to come in a variety of shapes. Lumps in this area may be harmless, while others are a sign that something serious is going on in your body.
A bump on the back of the head behind the ear can often be caused by swollen lymph nodes. They are an essential part of the immune system, acting as a biological filter and usually enlarge when an infection enters the body.
Enlarged lymph nodes should return to normal on their own after treatment of the underlying disease. Ear or skin infections are the main reason for their enlargement. It is recommended to consult a doctor if the formation does not go away for more than fourteen days or if additional symptoms appear.
Other causes of a lump in the back of the ear include:
- Acne
Pimples behind the ear can occur when pores or hair follicles become clogged. Although it is rare, it is not impossible to rule out the possibility that acne can appear behind the ears.
- Infections
Infections that can cause swelling in the throat can also cause a lump. Mononucleosis is one of the main diseases, which is accompanied by inflammation of the lymph nodes behind the ears, and the throat also swells.
- Abscesses and cysts
Abscesses (boils) and cysts are very similar in that they are both fluid-filled structures. The distinguishing factor is that an abscess is filled with pus, while a cyst most often is not. Abscesses can develop due to an infection or foreign body in the ear.
- Atheromas
They are also known as epidermoid cysts. Atheromas are known to form from clogged sebaceous glands and are the most common type of skin cyst. Atheroma can also appear in rare cases behind the ear.
- Mastoiditis
There are mastoid processes of the temporal bone, which are located directly in the area behind the ears. An ear infection can spread to this bone in some cases. The result will be swelling and a lump behind the ear.
Lump on the back of the head and headache
These bumps may appear due to an injury you recently suffered. They can also form due to a torn or strained muscle tendon. Symptoms of this:
- Swelling near the neck
- Sensitive areas on the neck and back of the head
- Pain in the shoulders, neck and upper back
- Neck muscle stiffness
In addition, growing (abnormal hard bone growths) may also be associated with headaches.
Lump on the back of the head made of hard tissue
Some hard lumps may appear on the back of the head and remain there for several months or even years. Those that form in this area are usually inactive. Although they are benign in many cases, they can also be malignant.
If you notice a hard lump under the skin on your head that is not a regular bruise, it was not soft before and does not go away over time, then it may be:
- Osteoma is a benign bone growth that is known to occur in this area
- Dermoid cyst is a rare tumor consisting simultaneously of various hard tissues, among which hard tissues may predominate. It can be diagnosed in a child. It is usually benign and does not hurt, although it can become infected.
Osteoma is a hard formation of bone tissue It is very important to consult a doctor to get the correct diagnosis. Surgery may be necessary, depending on the cause and the problems created.
The skull consists of several unpaired bones connected to each other and carries very important functions, namely, the protection of the brain and sensory organs. In addition, the initial sections of the digestive and respiratory organs, as well as a number of muscles, are attached to it.
Differentiate between the cerebral skull and the facial skull. The occipital flat bone belongs to the medulla; its structure will be described below.
General information
The occipital bone is odd, located in the back of the skull, composed of 4 elements surrounding the large foramen of the anterioinferior part of the outer surface.
What is the normal anatomy of the occipital bone.
Basilar - the main part lying to the anterior side of the external opening. In a child, the basilar part and the sphenoid bone are connected by cartilage, resulting in the formation of occipital-sphenoid synchondrosis. In boys and girls, after reaching adulthood, the bones grow together as the cartilage is replaced by bone tissue.
The superficial basilar part on the inner side, directed towards the cranial cavity, is smooth and slightly concave. The brain stem is partially located on it. In the area where the outer edge is located, there is a groove for the petrous inferior sinus, which is adjacent to the back of the petrous part of the temple. The outer surface, located below, is convex and rough. In the middle is the pharyngeal tubercle.
Side part
The lateral or lateral part is paired, the shape is elongated. On the surface below and outside there are articular ellipsoidal processes called occipital condyles. Any condyle has an articular surface that articulates it with the first cervical vertebra. On the posterior side there is a condylar fossa, into which lies the unstable condylar canal.
The condyle at its base is pierced by the hypoglossal canal. It should be noted that the hypoglossal canal passes through the bone. The lateral edge has a jugular notch, which unites with the notch of the temporal bone, which is also called, resulting in the jugular foramen. The jugular vein passes through it, as well as the vagus, accessory and glossopharyngeal nerves.
Rear end
Anatomy of the occipital bone
The most massive part of the occipital bone is the occipital squama, located behind the large foramen magnum and participating in the formation of the cranial vault and base. The occipital scale is a covering bone. In the central part from the outside, the scales have an external occipital protrusion. It can be easily felt through the skin.
The external nuchal crest runs from the external protrusion towards the foramen magnum. The upper paired nuchal lines branch off to both sides of the outer ridge. They are a trace of muscle attachment. They are located at the level of the outer ridge, and the lower ones in the middle of the outer ridge.
Sphenoid bone. It is unpaired, located in the central part of the base of the skull. The sphenoid bone has a complex shape, it contains a body, small and large wings, as well as pterygoid processes.
The mastoid process is a raised area of the skull located behind the ear. Here are the air cells of the auditory tube, which communicate with the middle ear. The mastoid margin, located on the occipital bone, is the edge of the occipital scales that connects to the temple bone. The occipital-mastoid suture is a mastoid edge connected to the surface of the temple bone, which has a posterior location.
Lateral masses
They are laterally limited by the large foramen magnum. On the outer surface there are condyles that serve as connectors of the articular surfaces of the atlas. What about lateral masses?
Firstly, these are the jugular processes, which limit the jugular foramen on the sides. The jugular process is located in the same place as the posterior edge of the jugular notch. The sigmoid sinus runs along the back of the skull. It has the shape of an arc and is a continuation of the groove with the same name, but in the temporal bone. The area covering the hypoglossal canal has a flat, smooth jugular tubercle.
It is also the hypoglossal canal (hypoglossal nerve canal), located lateral and anterior to the major foramen. Behind the condyle is the condylar canal, which contains the emissary vein.
Occipital bone injuries
The occipital bone, like the entire skull, is susceptible to injury, which can have fatal consequences, since it is in this part of the skull that protects the visual center. Therefore, serious damage can lead to partial or complete loss of vision.
Types of injuries to the occipital bone:
- Depressed fracture of the occipital bone: occurs when the skull, namely the occipital bone, is impacted by a small blunt object. In this case, as a rule, the brain suffers.
- Splintered damage: a violation of integrity, which is characterized by the appearance of fragments of different sizes. As a result, the bone loses its function and the structure of the brain is damaged.
- A linear fracture is a violation of the anatomical integrity of a bone, in which fractures of other bones, bruises and concussions are often observed. On x-ray, a linear fracture looks like a thin strip that divides the skull, namely the occipital flat bone.
A linear fracture is characterized by the fact that the displacement of the bones relative to each other is no more than a centimeter. Such a fracture of the occipital bone may go unnoticed and not manifest itself in any way. Such an injury is especially dangerous in a child, and children are often at risk of getting it due to carelessness during games. If your child experiences nausea and headache after a fall, you should immediately consult a doctor.
If the skull has sustained an injury that involves the greater occipital canal, cranial nerves will be damaged. In this case, the clinical picture will manifest bulbar symptoms, in which the functions of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are impaired. The consequences can be the most terrible: disruption of some brain functions, osteoma of the occipital bone, death.
Traumatic brain injuries of the occipital region
There are three main forms of damage:
- concussion;
- brain contusion;
- compression of the brain.
The most common sign of a concussion is fainting, lasting from 30 seconds to half an hour. In addition, the victim experiences vomiting, nausea, headaches, and dizziness. There is a possibility of short-term memory loss, irritability to light and noise.
A slight contusion of the occipital bone is accompanied by a short-term loss of consciousness
If the occipital bone is damaged and a concussion occurs along with it, a whole set of symptoms will appear, which may also be present with a concussion. A slight bruise is accompanied by a short-term loss of consciousness lasting from several minutes to several hours. Often there is a short-term speech disorder, paralysis of the facial muscles. If the victim received a moderate injury, his pupils may react poorly to light, and nystagmus appears - involuntary vibrations of the eyes. If a severe injury occurs, the patient may fall into a coma lasting up to several days.
A severe bruise can cause compression of the brain. As a rule, this occurs due to the development of an intracranial hematoma, but often the cause is cerebral edema, bone fragments, or all these reasons in combination. Compression of the brain usually requires immediate surgical intervention.
Possible complications
The most terrible result for a person who has been injured is unilateral visuospatial agnosia, which doctors call disorders of various types of perception. That is, the victim is not able to see and perceive the space located on the left.
The consequences of injuries can be as follows:
- traumatic asthenia (decreased performance, lack of composure, increased excitability, poor sleep);
- migraines, dizziness, sensitivity to weather changes;
- poor memory;
- unstable behavior;
- depression;
- hallucinations and other consequences associated with mental disorders.
Sometimes victims feel that the injuries they received do not pose any danger and are minor. However, if the skull is injured, then this is a serious reason to consult a doctor. A negligent attitude towards your health can cause extremely unpleasant consequences, which in the future can interfere with a normal life.