A fracture at the base of the skull is known as a basilar skull fracture. This type of skull fracture is relatively rare, and only occurs in about 4% of head injuries. Because of the high risk of meningitis and possible nerve damage associated with basilar skull fractures, most people with basilar skull fractures are admitted to the hospital for observation and treatment. Surgery is usually not necessary unless other injuries are involved, such as intracranial bleeding.
Skull Fracture Symptoms & Clinical Manifestations
Head injury and skull fracture symptoms may vary. Injuries may occur with or without loss of consciousness, and in some cases the only symptom may be a bump on the head. Some symptoms of basilar skull fractures may including bleeding from the site of the wound, or through the ears, nose or eyes, bruising behind the ears or under the eyes, changes in the size of pupils, confusions, convulsions, drowsiness, headaches, nausea, restlessness, slurred speech, neck stiffness, and vomiting.
Possible Complications of Basilar Skull Fractures
The most severe complication of a basilar skull fracture is death. With any damage to the skull, there is a high probability of a traumatic brain injury. Basilar skull fractures are accompanied with a high risk of meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes covering the brain, which may be fatal. In a small percentage of patients, ocular nerve entrapment occurs when the ocular nerve is compressed by broken bones in the skull, causing visual irregularities. Due to the closeness of the base of the skull to the cranial nerves, injuries to the cranial nerves are a concern with basilar skull fractures. Injuries can cause hearing loss (due to damage of cranial nerve VIII), palsy of the facial nerve or oculomotor nerve.
Causes of Basilar Skull Fractures
Basilar skull fractures are caused by impact or trauma to the back of the head at the base of the skull. Injuries may result from physical assault, sports injuries, automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, slip and fall accidents and staircase falls. It is also possible that basilar skull fractures may be caused by falling or flying objects that strike the base of the skull. If you or a family member suffered a basilar skull fracture that was caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless actions, you may be entitled to compensation for your injury, including medical treatment expenses, lost earnings, loss of earning capacity, and emotional pain and suffering.
About Estey & Bomberger – CA Basilar Skull Fracture Attorneys
Estey & Bomberger is one of the premier personal injury law firms in the state of California. We have recovered millions for victims of serious injury, including traumatic brain injuries and skull fractures (see our case results). With more than 70 years of collective experience handling personal injury claims in California, the attorneys at ourAV-Rated law firm understand both the medical and legal implications of serious head injuries. For a free consultation with one of our attorneys, call (800) 925-0723. Our staff is available to discuss your case 24 hours a day. You may also fill out a case review request form, and an attorney will be in touch with you shortly.