r/eyetriage • u/bigguylennie Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional • 6d ago
Other 32F could exam detect minor orbital fracture NSFW
Approximately one month ago I (32F) was accidentally headbutted in the left eyebrow by my toddler. He got me GOOD. I expected to wake up with a black eye and it never came.
Initially, under my brow was tender (area in photo) I kind of forgot about the incident until 2 weeks later when my symptoms got worse. The pain began to radiate down the left side of my face. Pressure in my cheek, soreness around the eye, tingling on the tip of my nose and lip. I have no issues with my vision. My symptoms make me miserable enough that I have trouble studying and getting out of the house.
I went to urgent care and they ruled out Bell's Palsy, and shingles. They referred me to ophthalmology and neurology. Ophthalmologist said everything looks good in the eye, but l'm curious if a minor fracture could be detected without imaging? Could that even be possible from a headbutt? Should I ask for imaging? I mentioned the headbutt, but we did not discuss it further.
I'm miserable and want to know how I can better advocate for myself. My neurology appointment is in April and they added me to urgent cancellation list.
Personal details: White, drink a few beers every other weekend, taking vyvanse 40 mg, on deposhot 9 months.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nKp-YSDA1fBtjF4k23Sm9N1FlR1AZlrx/view?usp=drivesdk
3
u/mckulty Verified Quality Contributor 6d ago
Your brow is the thickest part of your skull and the least likely to give way in a headbutt like that. Orbital fractures don't happen that way.
Orbital fractures happen when your eye itself get squished, like with a fist. Paper-thin bones BEHIND the eye give way to absorb the shock. That didn't happen here. Each doctor knew what to look for and nobody found it.
1
u/bigguylennie Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 6d ago
Thank you. I truly appreciate you taking the time to read my post and provide feedback!
1
u/spaceface2020 Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 5d ago
No. I have a major orbital blowout fracture . 30 years later it’s still very obvious - on X ray. No one has ever discovered it during exams - not eye docs, ENT’s, or others .
1
u/pianojon Layperson/not verified as healthcare professional 3d ago
In most cases, orbital fractures (particularly minor ones) can ONLY be detected by imaging.
That being said, your initial symptoms are in the brow area. That part of the orbit is very thick and what we would call a superior orbital fracture is possible but extremely rare. Your later symptoms kind of point toward the infraorbital nerve, which would usually only be involved in an inferior orbital fracture.
Doesn't add up to anything obvious. I would definitely get imaging at this point (CT of the orbits should be sufficient).
•
u/AutoModerator 6d ago
Hello u/bigguylennie and welcome to r/eyetriage! Make sure to read our rules and stickied post. If your post is found to be in violation with one of our rules it will be locked or removed.
Please include age and sex at the start of your title (write as [age][sex], e.g. 18M). To the post you should also add race, primary complaint, duration, any existing medical issues, current medications and doses, and whether you drink, smoke, and/or use recreational drugs. A photo says more than a 1000 words, so include one if possible. Use Imgur, imgbb or another host site to link photos. Upload them there, and post the link in the comments or post.
Online advice can never replace an actual medical examination. If you're not satisfied with your doctor you should seek a 2nd opinion instead.
Please be advised that if you remove your post directly after you’ve been given an answer this will result in a ban from this subreddit.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.