

Skull fracture license#
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives License 4.0 (CCBY-NC-ND), where it is permissible to download and share the work provided it is properly cited. Harper, MD, Otto Bremer Trust Center for Safe and Healthy Children, University of Minnesota, 2512 S 7th St, Suite R107, Minneapolis, MN 55454 (e-mail: ). The other authors declare no conflict of interest. have provided paid expert testimony in cases of suspected child abuse. ∥Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN.ĭisclosure: N.S.H.'s institution has received payment for expert witness court testimony that has been provided in cases of suspected child abuse in which she has been subpoenaed to testify. §Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota, M Health Fairview St. ‡Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, MO

†Driscoll Children's Hospital, Corpus Christi, TX Antibiotics may then be given after surgery in order to prevent any infection developing.From the ∗Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital, Minneapolis, MN Injuries to the brain, blood vessels and nerves can also be treated with surgery. If the initial blow to the head left an open wound surgery may be required to remove any damaged soft tissue or bone fragments. If the injury is more serious measures such as surgery may be considered. Also simple pain killers such as Paracetamol may be prescribed for any pain. Steroids will also treat nerve damage caused by the injury and aid any weakness or paralysis. For example, steroid medicines may be given in order to reduce swelling and soreness. For a small scale injury simple medications may be administered. There are various treatments for a skull fracture depending on the severity of the initial injury. Infection during the healing process, which is usually easily treated.This can lead to brain damage or even death depending on the severity of the initial injury. A collection of blood (or Hematoma) can develop, creating pressure on the brain.

The majority of skull fractures (if assessed and treated immediately) can be completely healed within four to six weeks however, several complications can occur: Especially in sports where there is a possibility of falling, for example horse riding or rock climbing. The only method of prevention is to wear protective head equipment where necessary. Subsequent to this you will undergo a number of tests including X-Rays of the head and neck (in order to investigate the amount of damage to the soft tissue) and possibly a CAT scan of the head. Paralysis or weakness of the facial areaĭiagnosis can be made initially by your GP, you will be required to give a list of symptoms made by your own diagnostic measures and if these are considered serious you will be referred to a hospital environment.Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose.Temporary or long-term loss of consciousness.Confusion, drowsiness (also typical signs of a concussion).

There are a large number of tell-tale signs when pin pointing a skull fracture, these include: Also, in very severe cases there is a possibility that bone fragments can be projected into the brain, causing further damage.
Skull fracture skin#
If the skull fracture is severe, the soft tissue (which includes muscles, tendons, skin and nerves) neighbouring the skull can be damaged.
