Skull fracture

At a Skull fracture it is a fracture of the bone in the area of ​​the skull. The skull fracture is one of the head injuries that occur in the majority of cases as a result of the external effect of force on the skull. In addition, the brain can be damaged by the skull fracture.

What is a skull fracture?

At a Skull fracture a fracture has formed in the skull bone or, in medical terms, a fracture. In most cases, this is the result of the force applied to the skull by force. A skull fracture is often associated with other types of head injuries, because when the fracture develops in the skull bone, the surrounding areas are usually injured in various ways.

Basically, a distinction is made between various forms and forms or degrees of severity of a skull fracture. If the force of force only injured the bones of the skull, this is referred to as either a bruised skull or a skull fracture. While the force of the bruised skull was not strong enough to cause a fracture of the skull bone, a skull fracture is a clear break in the top of the skull.

If the force of violence was so severe that the brain is also affected by the injuries, it is a so-called traumatic brain injury. The brain injuries, which can also occur as part of a skull fracture, are usually divided into three degrees of severity. A concussion is the easiest form and in most cases heals without any further damage.

In connection with a brain contusion, an injury to the tissue of the brain can result, with the risk of various long-term effects. The most severe and complicated form is brain contusion, in the context of which cerebral hemorrhage and permanent consequential damage occur more frequently.

causes

In the majority of cases, skull fractures occur as a result of direct and violent force. They are very common, for example, in connection with injuries during sports or in traffic accidents. They often occur in connection with the complex head trauma. However, numerous head injuries and skull fractures occur, particularly in the workplace. In principle, the force of force acting on the skull occurs in most cases in the form of a blow or blow to the head.

On the one hand, it is possible that the head is in a calm position and it is hit by a strong external blow. On the other hand, your head may be in motion and suddenly stopped by a hard object such as a door, wall or floor. In all cases, the brain hits the skull bone as the sudden change in movement presses it against the skull.

A skull fracture can cause the meninges to tear. This occurs as a result of a particularly strong force that breaks the skull bone and injures the meninges. In such a case it is an open traumatic brain injury. It is one of the most serious head injuries ever.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

The symptoms of a skull fracture differ depending on the type of fracture. It is divided into the base of the skull, the skull fracture and the facial skull fracture.

• Facial skull fractures can take the form of zygomatic arch fractures, midface fractures, nasal bone fractures or blow-out fractures, for example.

• In the case of skull base fractures, a distinction is made between frontobasal, frontolateral and laterobasal fractures.

• A skull fracture is the break of the bone in the area of ​​the so-called skull skull.

Basically, skull fractures result in swelling and heavy bleeding because the skull has a good blood supply. In addition, bleeding from the ears and nose as well as visual disturbances often occur. Occasionally, clearly recognizable steps form on the face and those affected complain of sensory disturbances under the eyelids. Skull fractures are extremely painful for patients.

Diagnosis & course of disease

For the reliable diagnosis of a skull fracture, a number of examination-technical methods are available, which are used depending on the severity and type of the skull fracture. The basis for the diagnosis is always a physical examination of the patient concerned. The skull is then subjected to an X-ray examination, whereby images are created in two planes.

Additional x-rays of the temporomandibular joint or the paranasal sinuses are possible. In addition, the cervical spine is examined by X-ray technology, with a so-called Dens target image being taken. This enables potential accompanying injuries to be diagnosed quickly.

In addition, a computed tomogram of the skull is possible, with the help of which fractures can be reliably determined. Various complications are conceivable as part of a skull fracture. These include injuries to the brain and cranial nerves, cerebral haemorrhage and infections that ascend into the brain, such as encephalitis.

Complications

A skull fracture can be associated with complications. It is not uncommon for accompanying injuries to occur. Whether a skull fracture causes sequelae depends on whether it is an uncomplicated or complicated fracture. If the fracture proceeds without accompanying injuries or displaced fracture fragments, healing only takes a few days to weeks. Otherwise there is a risk of consequential damage.

It is not uncommon for complications to occur with a skull fracture due to accompanying injuries. If, for example, the nose is affected, this can lead to problems with smelling or even to a total loss of smell. Impairments to the sense of taste are also possible. In most patients, these symptoms return to normal after a while, but chronic effects are possible.

If nerves are impaired as a result of the skull fracture, there is a risk of sensitivity disorders or paralysis, the extent and position of which depends on the area that has suffered impairment. If the ear canal is also damaged, hearing impairment can occur, which requires surgical treatment. In some cases, however, permanent hearing impairment remains.

Cerebral haemorrhage is one of the most serious effects of a skull fracture. An operation must be carried out immediately to relieve the pressure. Further complications of the skull fracture are ruptures of the dura mater, ascending infections and inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).

When should you go to the doctor?

A skull fracture must always be treated immediately by a doctor. If left untreated, this complaint can lead to serious complications that can reduce and limit the life expectancy of the person affected. For this reason, a skull fracture must first and foremost be diagnosed and treated very quickly in order to completely relieve the symptoms. A doctor should be consulted if the bone in the head or skull has broken. Very strong and violent swellings occur on the head of the person concerned, whereby the blood supply to the affected areas is also interrupted.

Those affected suffer from very severe pain and impaired vision. If these symptoms occur, a doctor must be consulted in any case. A doctor must be contacted especially after a severe accident or injury. A doctor should also be consulted if the person concerned suffers from severe sensory disorders.

In the event of a skull fracture, a hospital should usually be visited, and an emergency doctor can be called in emergencies. The further course of this complaint depends very much on the exact nature of the break.

Treatment & Therapy

A skull fracture is a life-threatening injury and must be treated immediately by a specialist. Skull fractures are usually treated surgically. The only exceptions here are linear skull fractures and nasal bone fractures.

In the case of facial skull fractures, so-called intubation is considered to prevent aspiration. In order to adequately treat minor skull fractures, a doctor should be consulted with any head injury.

prevention

In particular, skull fractures caused by sports accidents can often be avoided by wearing a protective helmet. Basically, mindfulness is recommended in risky activities in order to prevent head injuries.

Aftercare

In the event of a skull fracture, those affected often have only limited direct follow-up measures available. Therefore, the affected person should ideally consult a doctor early on so that there are no other complications or complaints, as this cannot lead to an independent healing. In general, early detection of the symptoms is a priority in the case of a skull fracture.

Most of those affected are dependent on an operation, which should be done as soon as possible. Therefore, in the event of a skull fracture, the emergency doctor should be called immediately. Furthermore, after such an operation, the person affected should rest and rest in any case, avoiding exertion or stressful and physical activities in order not to unnecessarily burden the body.

Many of those affected are also dependent on the help and support of their own families. Psychological support also has a very positive effect on the further course and can also prevent depression and other psychological upsets. In some cases, the skull fracture also limits the life expectancy of the person affected.

You can do that yourself

Patients with skull fractures are usually forced to stay in hospital. During this and afterwards, those affected must take sufficient care of themselves. The affected area on the head should be padded with a soft pillow. The area should be carefully felt in the morning and evening and any symptoms recorded in a complaint diary.

A face fracture can cause severe headaches and other discomfort. The doctor usually prescribes a pain reliever for this. Patients must comply with the medical guidelines regarding the intake and also pay attention to a regular sleep rhythm. Because hard work with a skull fracture is not possible, patients have to report sick to their workplace as soon as possible. A simple skull fracture heals within four to six weeks. Depending on the severity of the injury, additional measures may need to be taken.

Physiotherapy can be aided by moderate exercise at home. Cooling pads help with acute pain. With the doctor’s okay, various natural remedies can also be tried. Comfrey has a positive effect on the formation of bones. Bamboo contributes to bone healing due to its high silica content. A diet rich in minerals ensures that the body has sufficient iron and calcium available. If the skull fracture causes persistent discomfort or even bleeds, the doctor must be informed.