A basilar fracture is a dangerous linear break at the base of the skull caused by head trauma, which can damage the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include pain, impaired senses, and difficulty with balance. Treatment involves avoiding physical activity and regular checkups. In severe cases, the nerves controlling vision can be damaged, leading to death.
A basilar fracture is a linear break that occurs at the base of the skull, usually due to direct head trauma. Fractures at the base of the skull are especially dangerous, as a break can potentially rupture the protective membranes surrounding the brain or damage the upper part of the spinal cord. A person suffering from a basilar fracture typically needs to be thoroughly examined by a team of specialists to determine the exact location and size of the break. Fractures can be difficult to treat surgically due to their location, and most patients are simply asked to avoid strenuous physical activity for several months and receive regular checkups to ensure no complications occur.
An individual may suffer a basilar fracture after suffering a bad fall, being involved in a car accident, or being hit on the head by an object with force. Several portions of the skull may be affected by a basilar fracture, including the occipital region at the back of the head and the temporal regions on the sides. In addition to intense local pain, common symptoms of basilar fractures include impaired senses of smell, hearing, and vision, difficulty with balance, and nausea.
A fracture can occasionally cause a tear in the meninges, the membranes that enclose the brain and protect it with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF begins to leak into the sinus cavities when the meninges are torn, causing bruising under the eyes and blockages in the ear canals. A condition called cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea may also occur in which the cerebrospinal fluid in the sinuses drains and drips from the nose.
The cavity in the occipital region called the foramen magnum protects the top of the spinal cord where it meets the brain. A basilar foramen magnum fracture can depress vital nerves and blood vessels, leading to emergency conditions. A person can suffer from severe motor disabilities and facial paralysis. The nerves that control vision are damaged or severed in some cases, and a fracture that puts excessive pressure on the spinal cord can lead to death.
Most cases of basilar fractures do not impair neurological functioning and are not considered serious medical emergencies. When a doctor suspects a basilar fracture, they will typically do an X-ray and computed tomography to see the extent of the damage. Skull fractures tend to heal on their own in three months to a year, as long as patients are careful not to sustain further injuries. Some patients are fitted with protective neck braces to help them avoid accidents. Frequent checkups are usually important to make sure your bones are healing properly.
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