Pain in the back of the head, at the base of the skull, may indicate that the patient has a fracture in this area. Such an injury is considered very dangerous and can lead to terrible consequences. Their severity depends on how severe the damage turned out to be, as well as on the length of time before medical assistance is provided.
Types of injuries
The consequences of a fracture of the base of the skull can be quick or will not be felt immediately. The first appear after a few hours (sometimes days). They arise as a result of complications of an injury. But the second can visit the patient a few months or even years after recovery.
Very often complications occur as a result of such an injury:
- pieces of bone got into the brain tissue;
- the fracture has an indented or comminuted shape.
The most simple and quick-healing fracture of the base of the skull is linear. Usually, after its cure, negative effects are not detected. But it all depends on how much the brain is compressed and whether an intracerebral hematoma has formed.
Infectious processes
The consequences of a fracture of the base of the skull, manifested immediately, can be expressed with the help of infections. Violation of the skin and bones of the skull can cause harmful microorganisms to enter the brain, which will lead to the formation of infectious processes. As a result, meningitis, encephalitis and other inflammatory diseases.
But all this can be avoided if first aid is properly provided. Be sure to apply an antibacterial dressing to the damaged area and wait for an ambulance. And already in a hospital, the wound is well treated, sutured and injected with antibiotics.
Intracerebral hematomas
Most often, a fracture of the cranial base occurs as a result of a fall from a high height or strong blows to the head. As a result, the patient has a concussion and rupture of blood vessels. Such injuries are an excellent pretext for the formation of hematomas, which can be of various sizes. Such formations press on the brain and disrupt its work.
Small hematomas usually resolve on their own. But with more serious injuries can not do without surgical intervention. In this case, craniotomy is done and harmful damage is sucked off.
It is possible to determine if there are hematomas thanks to computed or magnetic resonance imaging or by making an x-ray.
Brain damage
With a fracture of the base of the skull, bone fragments very often form, which damage the brain substance. On what areas of the brain are damaged, and the patient's further well-being depends. For example, a person may lose vision, hearing, sensitivity, or the ability to breathe on their own.
Such injuries occur during an injury, so you can’t do anything right away (you should not try to provide first aid yourself).
A comminuted fracture must be operated on in the neurosurgical department. At the same time, attract the most experienced specialists, since the injury is classified as the most complex and dangerous.
Distant complications
The long-term consequences of a skull base fracture occur after an indefinite period of time. However, the most common cases are from several months to five years after the patient was discharged from the hospital without visible signs of complications. Such complications are usually caused by the fact that the nervous tissue has not fully recovered or scars have formed at the fracture site. These phenomena lead to compression of blood vessels and nerve tissues, which are responsible for the nutrition and respiration of brain structures.
Paralysis and paresis
Such consequences arise as a result of injuries of certain brain zones that perceive reflex signals of the spinal cord. Paresis and paralysis can occur not only after a certain period, but also immediately after injury. In this case, the essence of the treatment will be to restore nerve conduction and blood supply to the brain.
Encephalopathy of the brain: what is it?
This disease manifests itself after damage to the cerebral cortex. Changes the structure of brain tissue and reduces their functionality. It belongs to the group of non-inflammatory diseases. The disease destroys neurons and reduces the size of the nervous tissue.
Encephalopathy of the brain (what it is, you can read in this article) already in the early stages has the following symptoms: fatigue, lethargy, drowsiness, and impaired coordination of movements. However, such a diagnosis can only be made if symptoms are present for more than six months. Treatment should be comprehensive, otherwise it will be very difficult to overcome the disease.
Post-traumatic epilepsy
In about twenty percent of cases of fracture of the base of the skull, patients experience post-traumatic convulsive seizures, which can occur both a few days after the injury and a few months. Acquired disease is not particularly different from congenital. However, do not forget that epilepsy is characterized not only by the presence of seizures, but also by memory impairment and various mental disorders. The doctor selects the course of treatment, but basically it does not differ from the treatment of patients with congenital disease. Convulsive seizures can be minimized with the help of special medications and procedures.
Cerebral hypertension
The consequences of a skull base fracture can lead to the development of cerebral hypertension. Blood pressure rises significantly, up to the point that a stroke occurs. In addition, hypertension, which was formed as a result of a skull fracture, is very difficult to heal.
Skull Fracture Survival
The most important thing in fracturing the base of the skull is how quickly competent medical care was provided. There are times when trauma is accompanied by internal bleeding or coma. In this case, the danger is very great and the injury threatens with disability or even death.
If the fracture is not accompanied by displacement and significant cracks, then such injuries are quickly cured and very rarely negative consequences appear after them.
Symptoms and signs of a fracture
Symptoms of a fracture depend on its severity. But nevertheless, common signs can be identified:
- Severe headaches that appear due to cerebral edema.
- Vomiting for no particular reason.
- Pain in the back of the head, at the base of the skull.
- Pupils acquire different diameters and refuse to respond to light.
- Violation of worldview and coordination, loss of consciousness.
- Out of breath.
- Disruption of the heart. The pulse is either too fast or slow.
- Extreme agitation or, conversely, immobility.
With a fracture of the base of the skull, the optic and olfactory nerves are very often affected . A comminuted fracture may be accompanied by a rupture of the meninges. The brain becomes open, so there is a risk of infection. If there is a violation of the blood vessels, hematomas can form.
First aid
If there is a suspicion of a fracture of the base of the skull, then immediately you need to call an ambulance. If the injured person has not lost consciousness, then lay him on a flat surface, on his back (a pillow should not be placed under the head). Immobilize your head and lock it. If there is an open wound, apply an antiseptic dressing on it that will prevent the entry of harmful microorganisms. If there is no possibility of quick hospitalization, you can apply dry ice to your head. If breathing problems are not found, give the victim painkillers.
If he faints, lay him on his back in a half-turn position. Turn your head to your side. This should be done in case the patient begins vomiting. It is better to unfasten tight clothes. Remove all jewelry and glasses. To fix the body, make a roller from the blanket and place it under the body on one side.
Conservative treatment
If the fracture has a mild or moderate degree of complexity, then it can be cured using conservative methods, that is, without surgery. The patient must observe bed rest. In this case, the head should lie in a slightly elevated state. Treatment takes place with the help of special drugs. Sports and other physical activity will have to be postponed for about six months. An injured person should be regularly examined by an ophthalmologist, neurologist, traumatologist, and otorhinolaryngologist.
Do not forget that there is a risk of the formation of intracranial purulent lesions. In this case, it is necessary to carry out the sanitation of the ears, oral cavity and nasopharynx using antibiotics.
Surgical intervention
Operations are done in such cases:
- Shrapnel fracture detected.
- Brain structures are damaged or squeezed.
- The formation of large hematomas.
- Repeated purulent complications.
The operation is done in case of a threat to human life. An autopsy is performed, after which all bone defects are closed using a special plate. After such procedures, a long rehabilitation period will follow.
According to research data, the consequences after fractures of the base of the skull can be detected at any time after rehabilitation. However, the more time has passed, the lower the risk of negative consequences. Over time, their severity also decreases.
A child who has suffered a skull injury will cope with it much faster than an adult, since his body regenerates tissues much better.