Dents in the skull are abnormal and can indicate a serious medical condition.
What Causes Dents in the Skull?
According to Healthline.com, the number 1 cause of dents in the skull is trauma. Other causes are covered below.
1. Head Trauma
Car accidents, falls, or severe blows to the head can cause what’s called a depressed fracture in your skull. A depressed fracture means that a part of your skull has been crushed in toward your brain. This kind of injury requires emergency medical treatment.
2. Vitamin A Toxicity
Excessive levels of Vitamin A in the blood can cause skull indentations, particularly in children who don’t eat a well-balanced diet. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, hair, eyes, and more. Too much Vitamin A is called hypervitaminosis and can lead to the softening of bone in the skull which can causes dents and depressions.
Symptoms
Signs & Symptoms of Vitamin A toxicity include:
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Irritable and drowsy or sleepy
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Chronic (longterm) signs & symptoms of hypervitaminosis include:
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Skin changes (rough, dry and peels easily)
Visual disturbances
Anorexia or lack of appetite
Pain and swelling of the bones, skull
Photophobia (eyes sensitivity to light)
Oral ulcers
Hair loss
Confusion
If you have these signs and symptoms, consult with your doctor or healthcare professional immediately.
3. Gorham’s disease
Gorham’s disease is a rare condition that causes bone causes bone loss in your skull, leading to a visible dent in some cases.
4. Cancer
There are case reports of skull depressions that have led doctors to a diagnosis of cancer. These cases are rare, but “bone-destructive” cancers (such as multiple myeloma) can cause skull depressions and skull irregularities.
5. Congenital skull indentation
Some babies are born with an indentation in their skull. These indentations can be caused by the birth process or forceps used by doctors to extract the baby.
6. Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation of the Meninges or the membrane layer that covers your brain to protect it. Meningitis is a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly on time.
Signs & Symptoms of meningitis include:
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High fever
Neck pain or stiffness in the neck (considered an emergency)
Photophobia or eyes sensitivity to light
Nausea, vomiting due to increased pressure on the brain
Severe headaches due to increased pressure on the brain
If you notice these symptoms along with dents in your skull, notify your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately!
7. Skin Infections
Skin infections can cause dents on your scalp.
8. Scalp Lipoma
Scalp lipoma is a small mass of fatty tissue which occurs under the scalp. It is more commonly seen in the people of middle age.
This has been your Medical Minute.
More Info On the Web
Causes of Head and Skull Shape Abnormalities | Healthline.com
Dent in Skull: What Are The Common Causes? | Safe Symptoms
Dent in skull or Skull indentation: 10 Causes, Tips, Prevention | Trendy Damsels
DISCLAIMER
Any medical information published on this blog is for your general information only and is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice. You should not take any action before consulting with your personal physician or a health care provider. Sandrarose.com and its affiliates cannot be held liable for any damages incurred by following information found on this blog.
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