After suffering a personal injury, you want an accurate inventory of the harm you sustained. You hurt your skull during the incident, but what kind of fracture did you endure?
Johns Hopkins Medicine explains the four skull fracture types. By identifying your specific injury, you better understand how much to seek in damages.
Depressed skull fracture
You may or may not have a cut on your scalp if you have a depressed skull fracture. For this fracture type, the injury depresses a section of the skull. Those with a depressed skull fracture may need surgery, depending on injury severity.
Linear skull fractures
The most common skull fracture type, linear skull fractures trigger bone breaks, but the bone stays in place. Medical professionals monitor patients with linear skull fractures briefly. Often, patients return to their routine within a few days.
Diastatic skull fractures
Diastatic skull fractures happen along the skull’s suture line, the spots between head bones that meld during childhood. The fracture, common in older infants and newborns, increases the suture line.
Basilar skull fracture
The most severe skull fracture, basilar fractures cause broken bones at the base of the skull. Those diagnosed with the fracture experience bruising behind the ear and around their eyes. Patients may also experience clear fluid leaks at their ears and nose. This happens because of rips in the brain covering. Basilar skull fracture patients need intense hospital observation.
Do any of the skull fracture descriptions match your symptoms? With your doctor’s help, you know what treatment and medical costs to consider for your personal injury case.
