I have a lump on the back of my head. What treatment should I get?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 26 years old. I am a student and under loads of stress. I smoke cigarettes and drink on occasion. I have a lump underneath the skin on the back of my head. Many years ago, I was in the hospital for skull fracture on the back of my head. I have had serious migraines lately and get dizzy from abrupt standing occasionally. Please tell me how I should go about getting treatment.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. First, is this lump present since the time of fracture? Is it hard, bony or soft and mobile? This lump could be an abnormal bony fusion. Also, the other common cause is a sebaceous cyst and lipoma. All are a benign condition. You should once get this examined by your GP, and you will need one x-ray of the skull. Accordingly, GP will refer you to surgeon or orthopedician depending upon the nature of the swelling. Secondly, for your migraine, first is it a migraine only? Is it half-sided, throbbing headache associated with nausea, vomiting, etc? If yes, then you should have strong coffee and Paracetamol 500 mg whenever needed. If it does not respond, then get prescribed tablet Sumatriptan 50 mg at the onset of a headache. If the frequency of a headache is more say twice in a week, then you need to be on preventive medicine like tablet Ciplar LA 20 mg (Propranolol) once a day. It has to be continued for a long time. Having dizziness with sudden movements is normal. You need to increase the fluid intake and avoid dehydration and fasting for a long time. Also behavioral modification like avoid activities which will precipitate your symptoms.