How Do You Treat A Skull Fracture?
A skull fracture is any break in a skull bone and can be caused by as little as five foot pounds of force. It usually occurs from a direct impact. There are four major types of skull fractures: basilar, depressed, diastatic and linear. The skull is susceptible to damage as it is relatively heavy and in an unstable position. Discharge adult patients with simple linear fractures, if they are neurologically intact, with instructions to return if they become symptomatic. Infants are usually observed overnight. Provide conservative treatment for most patients with linear basilar fractures without neurological deficit because the tympanic membrane usually heals without surgery. This also includes most patients with types II and III occipital fractures. Prescribe anti-seizure medication if seizures seem likely based on the clinical evaluation and radiographic images. Open contaminated fractures also may require antibiotics and a tetanus vaccination. Perform surgery for open depressed fracture
