What Happens If You Hit the Back of Your Head?

A blow to the back of the head can range from a minor bump to a serious injury. Because this area is close to important structures, it is worth understanding the risks and knowing what to watch for.

What Can Happen

A knock to the back of the head can cause a scalp bruise or cut, a concussion (a mild traumatic brain injury), or, in more serious cases, bleeding or bruising of the brain. The back of the head also houses the occipital lobe (vision) and is near the cerebellum (balance and coordination), so injuries here can affect sight and balance.

Symptoms to Watch For

Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and visual disturbance. Because some bleeds develop slowly, symptoms can appear or worsen over hours or days — so monitoring after the injury is important.

Warning Signs That Need Urgent Care

Seek emergency help for a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, drowsiness or difficulty waking, confusion, seizures, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, vision loss, balance problems, unequal pupils, or clear fluid or blood from the nose or ears.

What to Do

For a mild knock, rest, apply a cold pack, avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medicines unless advised, and have someone keep an eye on you for a day or two. When in doubt, get assessed — early evaluation is the safest course after any significant head impact.