Skull Fractures

Linear Skull Fracture:
 

• Symptoms: Often asymptomatic or mild, but may cause localized pain or swelling at the fracture site.

• Neurological Exam: Typically shows no significant abnormalities unless there is associated brain injury. A CT scan is usually used to confirm the diagnosis.

 

Depressed Skull Fracture:
 

• Symptoms: Pain at the injury site, possible visible depression or bulging in the skull, and symptoms of brain injury such as confusion, headache, or nausea.

• Neurological Exam: May reveal signs of brain injury, including changes in consciousness, focal neurological deficits, or abnormal responses. Imaging such as CT or MRI is critical to assess the extent of the fracture and brain involvement.

 

Compound Skull Fracture:
 

• Symptoms: Open wound with visible bone fragments, pain, swelling, and possible bleeding from the scalp. Risk of infection is high.

• Neurological Exam: May show signs of brain injury or infection, including altered mental status or focal neurological deficits. Immediate imaging and evaluation are necessary to assess the injury's extent and manage the risk of infection.

 

Basilar Skull Fracture:
 

• Symptoms: Bruising around the eyes (raccoon eyes), bruising behind the ears (Battle’s sign), and possible leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose or ears. Patients may experience dizziness or hearing loss.

• Neurological Exam: May reveal cranial nerve deficits, such as loss of smell or visual disturbances. A CT or MRI scan is crucial to evaluate the fracture and any potential brainstem involvement.

 

Butterfly Fracture:
 

• Symptoms: Typically includes severe pain and visible skull depression or fragmentation at the injury site. Symptoms of brain injury may be present.

• Neurological Exam: May reveal signs of brain injury, including altered consciousness or focal deficits. Imaging is essential to assess the complexity of the fracture and potential brain damage.

 

Comminuted Fracture:
 

• Symptoms: Severe pain, multiple fragments visible at the fracture site, and possible signs of brain injury like confusion or loss of consciousness.

• Neurological Exam: May show significant neurological deficits depending on brain involvement. Detailed imaging is necessary to evaluate the extent of fragmentation and associated brain injury.

 

Pathologic Fracture:
 

• Symptoms: May present with unusual fractures or pain, and can be associated with symptoms related to the underlying disease, such as systemic symptoms or abnormal swelling.

• Neurological Exam: May reveal neurological deficits related to the disease affecting the skull, such as a tumor or infection. Imaging and further diagnostic workup are needed to address the underlying condition.

 

For all types of skull fractures, a thorough neurological examination and imaging studies (CT or MRI) are essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

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To learn more about the potential long effects of skull fractures and the of returning to normal activities too soon, seek further information. TBI CENTERS OF NEW YORK serves accident victims throughout NYC, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Long Island.

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TBI CENTERS OF NEW YORK
Website: tbicenterny.com
Services: Provides diagnostics, neurological care, clinical care, and resources for traumatic brain injury.

NeuroLink Neurosciences New York
Website: Neurolink NeuroSciences
Services: Neurology Consultants of New York related to workers compensation and no fault motor vehicle accident-related injuries in New York, NY.