33. • There are different types of skull fractures.
• Each type depends on -
the force of the blow,
the location of the impact on the skull, and
the shape of the object making impact with the head.
• In some cases, an injury to the brain can also accompany
the fracture.
34. • Symptoms of a skull
fracture include
• swelling around area
of impact,
• facial bruising, and
• bleeding from the
nostrils or ears.
35. • A skull fracture is any break in the cranial bone, also
known as the skull.
• There are many types of skull fractures, but only one
major cause: an impact or a blow to the head that’s
strong enough to break the bone.
symptoms that can indicate a fracture include:
swelling and tenderness around the area of impact
facial bruising
bleeding from the nostrils or ears
36. • Treatment depends on the severity of the
fracture.
• Pain medication may be the only treatment
necessary in mild fractures, while
neurosurgery may be required for more
serious injuries.
37.
38. • The type of skull fracture depends on the force of the
blow, the location of the impact on the skull, and the
shape of the object making impact with the head.
• A pointier object is more likely to penetrate the skull than
a hard surface, such as the ground.
• Different types of fractures lead to differing levels of injury
and trauma.
39. Closed fracture
• With a closed fracture,
also called a simple
fracture, the skin that
covers the fracture area
isn’t broken or cut.
Open fracture
• Also known as
a compound fracture,
an open fracture occurs
when the skin is broken
and the bone emerges.
40. Depressed facture
• This refers to a
fracture that causes
the skull to indent or
extend into the brain
cavity.
41. Basal fracture
• A basal fracture occurs
in the floor of the skull:
the areas around the
eyes, ears, nose, or
back, near the spine.
In addition to the above
types, fractures can
also classify as:
• linear (in a straight line)
• greenstick (incomplete)
• comminuted (broken
into three or more
sections)
42.
43.
44. • A skull fracture occurs when a force that is strong enough
to break the bone hits the skull.
• Any type of impact to the head can cause a skull
fracture, including
being hit with an object,
falling and hitting the ground,
injuring the head in a car accident, or
any other type of trauma.
• In some cases, as in an open or depressed fracture, it
may be easy to see that the skull is broken. Sometimes,
though, the fracture isn’t obvious.
45. Serious symptoms of a skull
fracture include:
• bleeding from the wound
caused by the trauma, near
the location of the trauma, or
around the eyes, ears, and
nose.
• bruising around the trauma
site, under the eyes, or
behind the ears
• severe pain at the trauma site
• swelling at the trauma site
• redness or warmth at the
trauma site
• Less severe symptoms, or those
that may not necessarily appear to
be related to a skull fracture, may
include:
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• blurred vision
• restlessness
• irritability
• loss of balance
• stiff neck
• pupils not reacting to light
• confusion
• excessive drowsiness
• fainting
46.
47.
48. • A doctor may be able to diagnose a fracture by simply
performing a physical examination of the head.
• However, it’s useful to diagnose the extent and exact
nature of the damage, which requires more exact
diagnostic tools.
• X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) are
typical methods for imaging the body and can help to
diagnose skull fractures.
• An X-ray penetrates soft tissue and provides an image of
the bone. An MRI produces an image of the bone and
soft tissue, allowing a doctor to see both the skull fracture
and the brain.
• The most common tool used is a computerized
tomography scan (CT or CAT scan). This technique
usually provides the clearest picture of the fracture and
any damage to the brain because it produces a 3-D
49.
50. • Treatment for a skull fracture depends on several factors.
• Following points to be taken into take into consideration
• the person’s age,
• health, and
• medical history,
• type of fracture,
• its severity, and
• any resulting brain injuries.
51. • In some cases, such as in basal skull fractures,
medication to control pain may be all the patient
needs.
• The skull will heal itself in a majority of these
instances.
• However, a basal fracture may require surgery if
it results in excessive leakage of cerebrospinal
fluid from the nose and ears.
• Surgery is more often a required course of
treatment for depressed skull fractures.
• If the depression is severe enough, surgery may
be necessary to correct it.
• Surgery may also be necessary if the depression
puts pressure on the brain or if there is
cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
52.
53. • Skull fractures can often be prevented. Wearing
protective headgear when riding bicycles or participating
in other sports in which head injuries are possible, such
as football and rock climbing, can prevent a skull fracture.