Skull fracture

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N P R S T U W

Skull of an adult Skull fracture Skull fracture Battle's sign - behind the ear Infant skull fracture

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Skull fracture

• Headache
• Bleeding from wound, ears, nose, or around eyes
• Drainage of clear or bloody fluid from ears or nose
• Loss of consciousness
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Restlessness, irritability
• Drowsiness
• Slurred speech
• Difficulties with balance
• Visual disturbances
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Swelling
• Bruising behind the ears or under the eyes
• Changes in pupils (sizes unequal, not reactive to light)
• Stiff neck

Note: The only symptom may be a bump on the head.

Dias MS. Traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004; 51(2): 271-303.

Marx J. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:306.

Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2005:1357.

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