CRANIAL (SKULL) FRACTURES-CAUSES,
SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT

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Cranial (Skull) Fractures

Brain and Spine Treatment

Any break in the cranial bone, also known as the skull, is known as a skull fracture. A major cause for a cranial fracture is a head trauma that is strong enough to cause a break in the skull. Brain injury might occur along with a fracture but not always. In people with a skull fracture, brain damage might be more severe. The severity of the fracture depends on the location and type of the fracture.

Skull fractures can be classified according to their severity and the damage they cause.

The different types of skull fracture include:

  • Simple fracture
  • Linear fracture
  • Depressed fracture
  • Compound fracture

Some skull fractures can lead to bleeding or swelling in the brain, which can compress the underlying brain tissue and thereby result in brain damage.

There can be various causes for a skull fracture but the most common are the following

  • A strong impact or a blow to the head
  • Head injury
  • Falls
  • Automobile accidents
  • Physical assault
  • Sports

What are the symptoms of cranial fractures?

Cranial fractures are usually hard to spot as the symptoms may appear immediately or within 24 hours of the head trauma

Symptoms of Skull fracture –Swelling and tenderness of impacted area
Swelling (bump) and tenderness around the area of impact
Symptoms of Skull fracture–Bruising
Bruising
Symptoms of Skull fracture–Bleeding from wound, ears, nose, or around eyes
Bleeding from wound, ears, nose, or around eyes
Symptoms of Skull fracture–Changes in pupils
Changes in pupils (sizes unequal, not reactive to light)
Symptoms of Skull fracture–Blurred vision
Blurred vision
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Confusion
Confusion
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Restlessness
Restlessness
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Convulsions
Convulsions
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Difficulties with balance
Difficulties with balance
Symptoms of Skull fracture–Drainage of clear or bloody fluid from ears or nose
Drainage of clear or bloody fluid from ears or nose
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Excessive drowsiness
Excessive drowsiness
Symptoms of Skull fracture– Fainting
Fainting
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Headache
Headache
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Neck pain
Neck pain or stiffness
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Loss of consciousness
Loss of consciousness
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Nausea
Nausea
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Restlessness, irritability
Restlessness, irritability
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Slurred speech
Slurred speech
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Stiff neck
Stiff neck
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Swelling
Swelling
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Visual disturbances
Visual disturbances
Symptoms of Skull fracture –Vomiting
Vomiting

A cranial fracture might be diagnosed in physical examination of the head or the trauma site. But to be able to diagnose the extent and exact nature of the damage various diagnostic tests should be performed.

Diagnostic tests

  • X - rays
  • CT or CAT scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs)

Treatment Options

The treatment for cranial fractures depends upon the location and severity of the fracture.

Treatment might include

  • Pain medication for mild fractures
  • Neurosurgery for more serious injuries

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