Why does the head swell after getting hit by something hard? What is the liquid that forms after impact?
1 Answer
When physical damage to the cells occur a biological process called inflammation occurs. When inflammation occurs, white blood cells are rushed to the area in order to fight off any bacteria or harmful waste leakage from damaging the cells further. In order to get the white blood cells to the site of damage faster, the body induces a process called vasodialation where the arteries are expanded and blood is rushed to the site. This causes the site of injury to swell and redden, two signs of inflammation. The white puss that forms comes from the white blood cells. The white blood cells release chemicals that kill of bacteria and waste in the area and forms a white pus that will eventually harden or break through the skin to be exerted. If the site of impact begins swelling within a matter of hours, it is likely acute inflammation is occurring and the body is rushing blood to the site. However, if swelling occurs on a more rapid time scale it is more likely that this fluid is from the damage of the impact itself and the cells and capillaries are leaking blood and extracellular fluids (What is Swelling?).
In short, when you bump your head your body is trying to fight off further injury and infection by inducing the inflammatory response. It is also leaking fluids due to the impact and may result in rapid swelling at site of impact. The symptoms you discuss are due to inflammation and are a normal process of your body's defense mechanism. Hope this helps!
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$\begingroup$ I'm not sure you're correct (at least I'd appreciate seeing evidence for your assertions.) Inflammation takes time. The bump that appears after hitting one's head takes moments to minutes. I think this is much more likely to be simple extravasation of serum from damaged cells and capillaries, etc. $\endgroup$ Feb 9, 2016 at 1:36
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$\begingroup$ Thanks for the rebuttal. The question offered no information when regards to time scale, but vasodilation and rush of blood to the site of impact can occur within a matter of hours (nationwidechildrens.org/swelling-bodys-reaction-to-injury). If swelling occurs on a shorter time frame, @anongoodnurse 10 is correct in saying it is likely due to the peripheral damage to the capillaries and cellular structure. Thanks for the input, I will be updating my answer! $\endgroup$ Feb 9, 2016 at 12:26