Health Information : Skull Fractures

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What is skull fracture?

A skull fracture is a condition in which your cranial bone (skull) breaks due to a huge impact or severe blow that’s strong enough to break the bone. It may cause an injury to the brain also but that is not always the case.

What are the different types of skull fractures?

The type of skull fractures depends on the force of the blow, the location where it hit the skull and the shape of object that has impact on the skull. They are:

• Closed fracture: In closed fracture, the skin that covers the fracture area isn’t broken or cut.
• Open fracture: In open fracture, the skin breaks and bone emerges.
• Depressed fracture: In depressed fracture, the skull intends or extends into the brain cavity.
• Basal fracture: In Basal fracture, the floor of the skull is impacted that comprises of the areas around the eyes, ears, nose, back and near spine.

What causes Skull fractures?

Skull fractures occurs when a very strong force hits the skull and breaks the bone. It may include:

• Being hit with an object
• Falling & hitting the ground
• Injuring the head in car accident
• Any other trauma

What are the symptoms of Skullfractures?

In open or depressed fracture, one can easily see the fracture on the skull. However, in other kinds of fractures, the diagnosis is confirmed by X- Ray or CT Scan.

How can Skull fractures be treated?

The treatment for skull fractures depends on the age, health status and medical history of the patient. It also depends on the type of fracture, its severity, and any brain injury it has caused.

• For basal skull fracture, usually pain relievers are enough and the skull heals by itself. However, surgery is done if there is excessive leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from the nose and ears.
• For depression skull fracture, surgery is often required to correct the depression that is putting too much of pressure on the brain or in case of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid.