Print this page
 Email this page

 Connect with UMMC on:
 Twitter
 Facebook
 YouTube
iPhone

 Share this page:

Bookmark and Share

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

 

Video details

[ Flash player icon ] Please install flash player to see this video.

Hospital Virtual Tour

Click to take a virtual tour

Related Content


 

Skull fracture - Symptom

Alternative Names

Basilar skull fracture; Depressed skull fracture; Linear skull fracture

Symptoms:

  • Bleeding from wound, ears, nose, or around eyes
  • Bruising behind the ears or under the eyes
  • Changes in pupils (sizes unequal, not reactive to light)
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Difficulties with balance
  • Drainage of clear or bloody fluid from ears or nose
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Nausea
  • Restlessness, irritability
  • Slurred speech
  • Stiff neck
  • Swelling
  • Visual disturbances
  • Vomiting

Note: The only symptom may be a bump on the head. A bump or bruise may take up to 24 hours to develop.

  • Reviewed last on: 2/19/2008
  • John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Dias MS. Traumatic brain and spinal cord injury. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2004;51(2):271-303.

Marx J, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2006.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com