8/22/2023 0 Comments Basilar fracture symptomsOne large randomized control trial (12,737 patients) showed a reduction in mortality in patients with mild-to-moderate head injury (baseline Glasgow Coma Scale 9-15) who were treated with tranexamic acid (an antifibrinolytic agent) within 3 hours of injury, compared with those who were not. There are no data to support the use of the "halo" sign, where CSF may be distinguished from blood/mucus by the formation of a "halo" when fluid is deposited on filter paper, as a specific or sensitive marker for CSF leakage. Furthermore, these signs may assist in localization of the basilar fracture Battle sign and otorrhea are most often associated with fractures of the petrous portion of the temporal bone, while periorbital ecchymosis and CSF rhinorrhea are more often associated with fractures of the anterior cranial fossa. The positive predictive value in detecting a basilar skull fracture is 85% for a unilateral raccoon eye, 66% for the Battle sign, and 46% for bloody otorrhea. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage can result in CSF rhinorrhea or otorrhea. Blood pooling from these fractures can result in ecchymosis over the mastoid area (e.g., Battle sign) periorbital ecchymosis (raccoon eyes), particularly if unilateral and bloody otorrhea. Small-caliber high-velocity weapons result in punched-out lesions, while large missiles often result in wedge-shaped fractures with cantilevering of the fragments.īasilar skull fractures often have specific clinical features. In such cases, the type of fracture is dependent on the proximity of the weapon and type of ammunition used. Occasionally, skull fractures can be secondary to penetrating trauma such as gunshot wounds. However, it must be kept in mind that these signs are specific but not sensitive. The one exception is basilar skull fractures, which may be associated with highly specific clinical signs such as blood pooling resulting in ecchymosis over the mastoid (Battle sign) or periorbital areas (raccoon eyes), hemotympanum, cerebrospinal fluid leakage resulting in clear rhinorrhea or otorrhea, or cranial nerve injury resulting in facial paralysis or hearing loss. Clinical signs may be absent or nonspecific, such as scalp lacerations or swellings or tenderness on palpation. Paolo De Ciantis, B.Sc.(Hons.), M.Sc., D.C.Skull fractures are usually the result of blunt force trauma such as falls, traffic accidents, or assaults. Proactively, this spring or summer, if you should be playing contact sports, riding a bike or operating a motorcycle, wearing a protective helmet is key to your safety!Īuthor: Dr. These types of activities are very common in the spring and summer months and as such, we need to be very vigilant about the risk of head trauma and the presentation of Battle Sign.ĭue to the risk of serious and possibly permanent neurological compromise, a suspected head injury resulting in Battle Sign warrants an immediate referral to the Emergency Room of a Hospital for assessment, treatment and monitoring. The head trauma involved in producing Battle Sign can include sports, car accidents, falling off a bike without a helmet, motorcycle accidents as well as falls. One of the differentiating factors regarding the presentation of Battle Sign is that it appears at an area not directly related to the sight of injury, like a traditional bruise. Following a head trauma, Battle Sign may take a few days to present. Due to its presentation, Battle Sign is often confused for a harmless bruise but, unlike a common bruise, it will not fade over time without other symptoms. Additional signs related to Battle Sign can also include but are not limited to: clear fluid draining from the nose and/or ears, headache, dizziness and blurred vision. ![]() Occasionally, individuals with Battle Sign may also present with “raccoon eyes” (i.e. One of the most apparent signs of a basilar skull fracture is the presence of distinct and severe bruising along the entire backside of the ears and possibly extending to the neck/cervical spine region. Trauma resulting in fracture of the aforementioned structures can place neurological and vascular tissue in the area at risk for injury which is why this type of fracture is considered a medical emergency! Basilar skull fractures are considered not only one of the most common but also one of the most severe types of fracture to the human skull. ![]() Fractures of the skull at its base can include fracture of the bone behind the ears, at the base of the nose/nasal area and close to the spine. ![]() “Battle Sign” is the result of a “basilar skull fracture” or “basal fracture” (i.e. “Battle Sign” is a visual sign from a severe trauma to the skull resulting in a fracture and should not be taken lightly!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |