Skull Fracture Types and Symptoms

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When involved in a car accident, it is possible that you may suffer from a skull fracture as one of your injuries. The exact type of skull fracture you receive depends upon where your skull is impacted, the force of the blow and the shape of the object that impacted your head. While a pointier object may penetrate your skull, for example, a hard, blunt surface may not. Some examples of the types of skull fractures you may receive as the result of a car accident include:

  • Closed Fracture: Also referred to as a simple fracture, a closed fracture is one where the bone is fractured beneath the skin. In this type of fracture, the skin covering the fractured area is not broken or cut.
  • Open Fracture: Also referred to as a compound fracture, an open fracture is one where the skin over the broken area is also broken open and fractured bone can be seen emerging from the skull.
  • Depressed Fracture: A depressed fracture is one where the skull is indented or the fractured area extends into the brain cavity.
  • Basal Fracture: A basal fracture is a fracture that occurs in the floor of the skull. This may include the area around the eyes, nose, ears as well as at the top of the neck or near the spine.

A skull fracture may also be further classified as a linear fracture or a comminuted fracture. A linear fraction is one that breaks in a straight line while a comminuted fracture is one that is broken into three or more sections. Regardless of the type of skull fracture you have, you can count on Advanced Spine & Rehab to assist with your recovery process. Contact us today to learn more!

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