Is it normal to have a dip in the back of your skull? A guide to anatomical variations and health concerns

October 1, 2025 •

5 min read

The human skull is not a perfectly smooth sphere; it's common for many people to have natural ridges, bumps, or small depressions. This leads many to wonder, is it normal to have a dip in the back of your skull? The answer depends on several factors, including its location, origin, and associated symptoms.

Quick Summary

A dip in the back of your skull can be a normal anatomical variation related to bone structure. However, new or painful indentations could indicate trauma, underlying bone conditions, or other health issues, and warrant a doctor's evaluation.

Key Points

Normal anatomy: A dip in the back of the skull is often a normal anatomical variation, such as the area around the external occipital protuberance (inion) or where skull sutures have fused.
Trauma: A new dent, especially after a head injury, requires immediate medical evaluation to rule out a depressed skull fracture.
Congenital conditions: Some individuals are born with skull depressions due to development in the womb or delivery, which can sometimes be harmless or require treatment for conditions like craniosynostosis.
Bone diseases: Rare conditions like Paget's disease or Gorham-Stout disease can alter bone structure and cause indentations in the skull.
When to seek help: Consult a doctor for any new, painful, growing, or symptomatic dent, especially if accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or vision problems.
Diagnosis: A healthcare provider will likely perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests like CT or MRI scans to determine the cause of the indentation.

The shape of the human skull is unique to each individual, with natural variations ranging from slight bumps and ridges to small, subtle depressions. Many people discover a dip or dent at the back of their head at some point and immediately worry. While this feature is often a harmless aspect of your anatomy, it is crucial to understand the different potential causes and when to seek medical advice.

Normal anatomical variations

Most often, a dip in the back of the skull is a result of natural bone structure and development. The occipital bone, which forms the back of the head, has several landmarks that can feel like bumps or dips, especially in the central midline. The skull is also made up of several plates that fuse together over time at fibrous joints called sutures.

The external occipital protuberance (inion)

This is a normal, palpable landmark located on the occipital bone at the back of the skull, just above the neck. It is a bony protrusion that can vary in prominence from person to person. While it is commonly described as a bump, the area around it can sometimes feel like a depression or dip, depending on the individual's specific bone structure. The inion is a crucial attachment point for muscles and ligaments that support the head.

Sagittal suture and fontanelles

As children grow, the bones of their skull fuse together. The sagittal suture runs down the midline of the skull, and a slight indentation along this line can remain visible or palpable in some individuals. In babies, these areas are known as fontanelles, or "soft spots," and they naturally close over time. The smaller fontanelle at the back of the head typically closes around 4 months of age. The way these bones fuse can leave a subtle dip or ridge.

Potential medical causes

While most dents are harmless, it is important to be aware of the signs that may indicate a more serious underlying issue. A key factor is whether the dent is new, painful, or accompanied by other symptoms. If a dent suddenly appears, especially after an injury, it warrants a doctor's evaluation.

Head trauma or injury

A blow to the head from an accident, fall, or sports injury can lead to a skull fracture. A depressed skull fracture, where a section of the bone is pushed inward, is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention. The symptoms can include headaches, nausea, confusion, and changes in vision or consciousness. Even a minor head injury can cause a scalp hematoma, or "goose egg," which is a collection of blood under the skin that can create a bump or, as it heals, a slight indentation.

Congenital skull depressions

In rare cases, a person can be born with a skull depression. This can occur due to positioning in the womb or trauma during delivery from forceps or suction devices. Often, these indentations resolve on their own, but more serious cases, such as craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones), require medical intervention.

Bone diseases

Several rare bone diseases can cause changes in skull shape, including depressions. Examples include:

Paget's disease of bone: A chronic condition that disrupts the normal cycle of bone renewal, causing bones to become enlarged and misshapen.
Gorham-Stout disease: Also known as "vanishing bone disease," this extremely rare disorder results in progressive bone destruction, which can affect the skull.

Tumors

While uncommon, certain types of bone tumors, including both cancerous and noncancerous growths, can lead to skull irregularities and depressions. These can cause bone pain and visible masses and should always be investigated by a doctor.

Other causes

Brain surgery: Certain neurosurgical procedures, such as a craniectomy to relieve pressure on the brain, can leave a temporary or permanent dent.
Pressure from headgear: In rare instances, chronic pressure from wearing tight headgear, such as headphones, can cause temporary indentations.
Vitamin A toxicity: Excessive vitamin A intake can weaken bones, potentially leading to a dent.

When to see a doctor

If the dent is long-standing, not changing, and not associated with any other symptoms, it is likely a natural part of your anatomy and not a cause for concern. However, you should see a healthcare provider if you notice any of the following:

The dent is new, growing, or changing in shape.
It appears after a head injury.
The area is painful, tender, or warm to the touch.
It is accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, vision changes, confusion, or balance issues.

Comparison of normal vs. concerning dips


Feature	Normal Anatomical Dip	Potentially Concerning Indentation
Onset	Present since birth or early childhood; noticed suddenly but not new.	New or recent appearance, especially after a head injury.
Sensation	Often painless and non-tender to the touch.	Can be painful, tender, or associated with other discomfort.
Location	Typically along the midline of the occipital bone (inion/suture).	Can occur anywhere on the skull.
Associated Symptoms	None.	Headaches, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, vision problems, balance issues.
Change	Does not change in size or shape over time.	Changes in size, shape, or appearance.

Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose the cause of a skull indentation, a doctor will typically start with a physical exam and take a medical history. Depending on the findings, further tests may include:

Imaging scans: CT or MRI scans can provide a detailed view of the skull and brain to identify fractures, tumors, or other abnormalities.
Blood tests: To check for conditions like vitamin A deficiency or other underlying issues.
Bone scan: A diagnostic test to look for areas of bone damage or disease.

Treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. For minor, harmless variations, no treatment is necessary. For fractures, surgery may be required. Bone diseases may be managed with medication, while tumors may require surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Conclusion

While finding an indentation on your skull can be alarming, a dip in the back of your skull is often a normal anatomical variation. However, if the dent is new, growing, painful, or associated with other concerning symptoms, it's essential to seek professional medical advice. Early evaluation by a doctor can help rule out serious conditions and provide peace of mind. Consult a healthcare provider for any persistent or changing skull irregularities. For more information on general head injuries, visit Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not necessarily. A dip in the back of your head is often a normal anatomical feature and not a cause for concern. The occipital bone has natural variations, and the sutures where skull bones meet can sometimes create subtle dips.

The small indentation at the base of the skull is typically the area around the external occipital protuberance, a normal bony landmark where neck muscles attach. Its prominence varies among individuals, and the surrounding area can feel like a dip.

In rare instances, prolonged and consistent pressure from tight headgear, such as headphones, can cause temporary indentations. However, this is not a common occurrence and the dent should not be permanent.

You should be concerned about a skull dent if it is new, appears suddenly after an injury, is painful, or changes in size or shape. Accompanying symptoms like headaches, confusion, vision changes, or nausea also warrant a doctor's visit.

In very rare cases, a dent in the head can be associated with a bone tumor. However, more common causes include natural anatomy, injury, or other benign conditions. If you are concerned, a doctor can perform tests to rule out serious issues.

Some congenital skull depressions, those present since birth, can resolve on their own with no treatment necessary. More severe cases, like craniosynostosis, may require treatment to correct bone fusion issues.

A doctor can diagnose a skull dent through a physical exam, medical history, and potentially imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI scans to get a clear view of the bone structure and underlying tissues.