## Overview Head trauma in horses ranges from concussion to skull fracture and brain injury. Signs include altered mentation, unequal pupils, nystagmus, vestibular signs, bleeding from ears or nose, and seizures. Basilar skull fractures are particularly serious. ## Causes Falls, rearing over backward, kicks, or collisions. ## Diagnosis Neurologic examination and radiographs or computed tomography of the skull. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis when indicated. ## Treatment Stabilize, control seizures and brain swelling, and provide supportive nursing. Surgical decompression is rarely feasible. Prognosis depends on the severity of brain injury. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable. Mild concussion often recovers. Severe brain injury or skull fracture carries a guarded to poor outlook. ## Prevention Safe handling and environments that reduce rearing and falling risks.
altered consciousness; unequal pupils; head tilt; bleeding from ears or nose; seizures; nystagmus; recumbency
## Overview Head trauma in horses ranges from concussion to skull fracture and brain injury. Signs include altered mentation, unequal pupils, nystagmus, vestibular signs, bleeding from ears or nose, and seizures. Basilar skull fractures are particularly serious. ## Causes Falls, rearing over backward, kicks, or collisions. ## Diagnosis Neurologic examination and radiographs or computed tomography of the skull. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis when indicated. ## Treatment Stabilize, control seizures and brain swelling, and provide supportive nursing. Surgical decompression is rarely feasible. Prognosis depends on the severity of brain injury. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable. Mild concussion often recovers. Severe brain injury or skull fracture carries a guarded to poor outlook. ## Prevention Safe handling and environments that reduce rearing and falling risks.
altered consciousness; unequal pupils; head tilt; bleeding from ears or nose; seizures; nystagmus; recumbency