The term “goose egg” is the common name for a hematoma, a localized collection of blood outside of the blood vessels resulting from blunt force trauma to the scalp. This swelling forms a distinct lump on the head. While the appearance of a large bump can be alarming, especially on a child, it often indicates a superficial injury confined to the scalp tissue.
Understanding the Head Bump
The dramatic swelling that creates a distinct “goose egg” shape is primarily due to the unique anatomy of the scalp. The head has an extremely rich supply of small blood vessels just beneath the skin’s surface, which rupture easily from a blow. When these vessels break, blood leaks out, but the surrounding tissues are tightly bound to the skull, creating a confined space.
Because the blood cannot easily spread out horizontally like a typical bruise, the pooling forces the collection upward. This pressure creates the raised, egg-shaped protrusion known as a subgaleal or subcutaneous hematoma. The size of the bump does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the underlying injury, but rather with the amount of blood pooled in that confined layer. A large bump usually means the injury is limited to the scalp, which is less concerning than bleeding deeper inside the skull.
Immediate First Aid and Care
The first step after a minor head bump is to rest and apply a cold compress to the affected area. Applying ice or a cold pack, wrapped in a cloth, helps constrict blood vessels and reduce the internal bleeding that forms the hematoma. The cold application should be held gently against the bump for up to 20 minutes at a time.
Rest is an important part of initial care; the injured person should sit down and avoid strenuous activity immediately following the impact. For pain management, over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen is recommended. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin should be avoided unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider, as they can interfere with blood clotting and potentially increase bleeding.
The Typical Healing Timeline
The duration of a goose egg depends largely on its size, but most superficial hematomas resolve within two to four weeks. Smaller bumps may begin to subside within a few days, while larger collections of blood can take up to six weeks for complete absorption. The body naturally breaks down the pooled blood, gradually absorbing the fluid back into the system.
As the hematoma resolves, the bump will become softer, flatter, and may appear to spread out before disappearing. This absorption process is accompanied by the familiar color changes of a bruise as the body metabolizes the blood components. The initial red or purple color will transition to blue-black, then to green, and finally to yellow or brown before the skin returns to its normal tone. Sometimes, the blood can seep downward due to gravity, which may result in bruising around the eye or down the neck several days after the initial injury.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
While most goose eggs are minor, a head injury requires careful observation for symptoms that might indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as a concussion or internal bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention if the injured person loses consciousness, even briefly, or becomes increasingly drowsy and difficult to wake up. Persistent or repeated vomiting, or a severe headache that continues to worsen, are significant warning signs.
Other serious symptoms include confusion, slurred speech, or difficulty recognizing people or places. Any changes in vision, such as unequal pupil sizes, double vision, or loss of movement in an arm or leg, warrant an immediate trip to the emergency room. The appearance of clear fluid or blood draining from the ears or nose, or the onset of a seizure, require urgent professional medical assessment.