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What is the most serious problem associated with skull fractures?

Leia Doyle

What is the most serious problem associated with skull fractures?

A skull fracture is a head injury where there is a break in the skull bone. While mild breaks can cause few problems and heal over time, severe breaks can lead to complications including bleeding, brain damage, leaking of cerebrospinal fluid, infection and seizures.

What are the symptoms of a severe head injury?

Concussion Danger Signs

  • One pupil larger than the other.
  • Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
  • A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
  • Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
  • Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or twitching).

Can a depressed skull fracture heal itself?

Most skull fractures will heal by themselves, particularly if they’re simple linear fractures. The healing process can take many months, although any pain will usually disappear in around 5 to 10 days. If you have an open fracture, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent an infection developing.

How long does it take to recover from severe head trauma?

The vast majority of recovery after traumatic brain injury takes place in the two years after injury; after this the brain injured patient faces an uncertain future. In some patients further improvement is seen even as late as 5-10 years after injury.

How are depressed skull fractures treated?

Treating skull fractures If you have a severe or depressed fracture, surgery may be needed to help prevent brain damage. This will usually be carried out under general anaesthetic. During surgery, any pieces of bone that have been pressed inwards can be removed and returned to their correct position.

How does a depressed skull fracture cause brain damage?

If a fracture breaks the skin, bacteria may enter the skull through the fracture, causing infection and severe brain damage. Sometimes, pieces of the fractured skull bone press inward and damage the brain. These types of fractures are called depressed fractures.

What are signs of skull fracture?

Symptoms of a skull fracture include: tenderness. swelling. skull deformity….Symptoms of bleeding in the brain, which may gradually worsen or suddenly appear, include:

  • sudden severe headache.
  • seizures.
  • nausea or repeated vomiting.
  • lethargy.
  • weakness in an arm or leg.
  • loss of consciousness.