Skull fracture (broken bone)
About Skull fracture (broken bone)
A break in one or more of the bones in the skull caused by a head injury. The injury usually results from blunt or penetrating trauma (fall, motor vehicle accident). The amount of force required to break the bone frequently damages the underlying brain. The broken bone fragments can also damage the underlying brain or lacerate blood vessels causing bleeding in the brain. Fractures of the bone in the base of the skull can result in leaking of cerebrospinal fluid.Symptoms
Scalp swelling, scalp tenderness, bleeding from ears, bruising behind the ears or under the eyes, unequal pupils, confusion, convulsions, difficulties with balance, drainage of clear fluid from ears or nose, excessive sleepiness, headache, loss of consciousness, nausea, restlessness, irritability, slurred speech, visual disturbances, vomiting.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan is done to identify the fracture and any associated brain injury.Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
Isolated fractures without an associated brain injury usually do not require specific treatment. Fractures that are displaced and pushed downward into the cranium require surgery. Antibiotics to prevent infection are sometimes prescribed.Medical specialties
Neurosurgery · Pediatric Neurosurgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Skull fracture (broken bone).