skull fractures
skull fractures generally fall into one of the following categories
Simple Fractures
A simple skull fracture involves a break in the skull without damage to the skin surrounding the fracture.
Linear Skull Fractures
Linear skull fractures are breaks in the skull that closely resemble a thin line. Distortion, splintering, or depression of the bone matter is not present in linear skulls fractures.
Depressed Skull Fractures
When a skull is crushed or subjected to blunt force it can result in an inward breaking of the bone. This is referred to as a depressed skull fracture.
Compound Fractures
A compound skull fracture refers to a skull fracture that includes a loss of skin or a break in the skin accompanied by splintering of the skull beneath.
Fractures at the Base of the Skull
Fractures at the base of the skull involve leaking of the cerebrospinal fluid.
diagnosis and treatment of a skull fracture
Generally, skull fractures are diagnosed when a patient undergoes computed tomography (CT) testing. A CT scan is more reliable for diagnosing a skull fracture than is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI is better suited to diagnose traumatic brain injuries. Some skull fractures do not require the assistance of imaging for a diagnosis as the fracture is quite evident by visual and physical examination.
Skull fractures by their very nature accompany traumatic brain injuries. The skulls is the structure that houses and protects the brain from injury. Therefore, fracturing of the skull can be a very serious medical condition. In many circumstances a person that experiences a skull fracture may undergo brain surgery.
Symptoms of a Skull Fracture:
- Bleeding from the wound
- Bruising under the eyes or behind the ears
- Changes in the pupils of the eyes
- Slurred speech / balancing issues
- Bloody or clear fluid draining from the ears or nose.
- Swelling of the head or site of injury.
brain injury attorneys
The DOUGHERTY LAW FIRM has handled numerous personal injury cases involving skull fractures. When an individual suffers a skull fracture in a slip and fall, truck crash, motor vehicle crash, or while participating in sports, they may be entitled to monetary compensation if it can be shown that another person’s negligent conduct or intentional act caused the skull fracture. If you or a loved one have suffered a skull fracture and you believe that another person is to blame, call our experienced brain injury attorneys today to schedule a consultation.