After taking a severe hit to the head, it is possible for any number of injuries to occur afterward, such as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or skull fractures. Each injury’s severity depends on several factors, like the strength behind the blow and the physical health of the victim.
However, skull fractures can always pose the threat of long-term damage if not treated promptly. Thus, it is important to recognize potential signs so that victims can get the quick treatment they need.
Neurological manifestations of fractures
Merck Manual discusses the manifestation of skull fractures after a head injury. Different types of signs will crop up depending on the location of the injury, the strength and force behind the blow, and other factors. However, physical and neurological signs typically emerge first.
This includes neurological signs like headache, migraine, nausea and vomiting, seizures, loss of balance, lack of coordination or trouble with vision and speech. Victims may also suffer from increasing or persistent confusion or sleepiness and may struggle to recognize people or their own surroundings. They could also struggle to move or feel one or even all limbs.
Visible physical signs
Physical signs may also grow apparent, such as bruising around the eyes or behind the ears. This happens when blood inside the skull collects in hollow areas, like the aforementioned ones. Cerebrospinal fluid, or the clear fluid that surrounds the brain, may also leak through the nose or ears. Blood may gather behind the eardrums and can leak out if the eardrum suffers from a puncture, too.
Any of these signs should prompt immediate medical attention, which is the best way to keep the problem from worsening or triggering permanent damage.