Facial trauma

Findings with trauma in this region include:

• Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling and bleeding in the nasal region.
• Changes in sensation and feeling over the face
• Swelling around the eyes may cause limitations in vision.
• Double vision
• Missing teeth

On physical exam:

• Lacerations (breaks in the skin) are often seen.
• Bruising around the eyes and/or widening of the distance between the eyes may indicate injury to the bones between the eye sockets.
• When the upper jaw moves with the head stabilized, there may be a fracture in this area.
• Abnormal sensations on the cheek and irregularities that can be felt on the facial region can indicate fractures.
• The physical exam is often complemented by a CT scan of the head.

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