## Overview Skull fractures result from falls, kicks, or trailer accidents. Frontal fractures cause facial swelling and nosebleeds. Basilar fractures involving the temporal or occipital bones often damage the brain and are frequently fatal. Signs include bleeding from the ears or nostrils, head tilt, nystagmus, depression, and sometimes crepitus or a visible depression. ## Causes High-energy head trauma. ## Diagnosis Neurologic examination and radiographs or computed tomography. ## Treatment Supportive care for brain injury. Surgical repair for selected facial fractures. Basilar fractures with severe neurologic signs have a poor prognosis. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable for facial fractures. Poor for basilar fractures with brain involvement. ## Prevention Safe handling and transport.
bleeding from ears or nostrils; neurologic signs (head tilt, nystagmus, depression); facial swelling; crepitus; epistaxis
## Overview Skull fractures result from falls, kicks, or trailer accidents. Frontal fractures cause facial swelling and nosebleeds. Basilar fractures involving the temporal or occipital bones often damage the brain and are frequently fatal. Signs include bleeding from the ears or nostrils, head tilt, nystagmus, depression, and sometimes crepitus or a visible depression. ## Causes High-energy head trauma. ## Diagnosis Neurologic examination and radiographs or computed tomography. ## Treatment Supportive care for brain injury. Surgical repair for selected facial fractures. Basilar fractures with severe neurologic signs have a poor prognosis. ## Recovery and Prognosis Variable for facial fractures. Poor for basilar fractures with brain involvement. ## Prevention Safe handling and transport.
bleeding from ears or nostrils; neurologic signs (head tilt, nystagmus, depression); facial swelling; crepitus; epistaxis