A basilar skull fracture is a fracture occurring in the bones that constitute the base (bottom part) of the skull. It is usually a result from strong blunt force applied to the head, such as falling from the high. The temporal region of skull is the most common location. Fracture causes intracranial hemorrhage is a possible life-threatening complication, requiring immediate surgical management.
Presentation
Presentation varies with the fractures location and extent.
Temporal fractures may manifest with a CSF leakage from ear canal (otorrhea) and bruises on the mastoid processes (Battle sign), whereas anterior variants may show characteristic hematomas around the eyes (raccoon eyes) and CSF rhinorrhea. Occipital condylar fracture has a much more severe course [9], usually resulting in coma. Condylar fractures are also associated with co-occurring cervical spine injuries potentially causing hemiplegia or quadriplegia. The injury of IX, X, XI, and XII cranial nerves with occipital condylar fracture is referred to as Collet-Sicard syndrome [10] [11] [12].
A variety of symptoms may develop depending on the involvement of cranial nerves and related structures. Longitudinal temporal fractures are frequently resulting in the hearing apparatus damage and conducting deafness usually lasting longer than 6 weeks. However, hearing loss may be also caused just by the collection of blood (hemotympanum) and associated mucosal edema. In that case, deafness usually goes away in 3 weeks or less. Transverse temporal fractures tend to injure cranial nerve VIII causing permanent sensorineural hearing loss as well as nystagmus and ataxia.
The co-occurring damage to the VII, VI, and V cranial nerves may manifest as facial paralysis and numbness as well as nystagmus. The Vernet syndrome is an injury of the IX, X, and XI cranial nerves in the jugular foramen and presents as vocal cord and palate paralysis on the ipsilateral side resulting in difficulties with speech.
Entire Body System
- Ecchymosis
Physical examination is notable for periorbital and retroaurticular ecchymosis without evidence of a CSF leak. Non-contrast head CT demonstrates a basilar skull fracture but with no evidence of an intracranial hemorrhage. [step2.medbullets.com]
AFVSS Gen: WDWN, A&Ox4 HEENT: NC/AT, PERRL, EOMi, nml bilat visual acuity, bilat TMs intact, right hemotympanum, right facial motor weakness, TTP right mastoid w/o retroauricular ecchymosis Neuro: GCS-14 (Eyes 3), nml sensation x 4, 5/5 motor [slideshare.net]
Home | CCC | Base of Skull Fracture by, last update March 30, 2019 OVERVIEW fracture involving the floor of the cranial vault CLINICAL FINDINGS Periorbital ecchymosis (raccoon eyes) CSF rhinorrhoea CSF otorrhoea Haematotympanum mastoid ecchymosis ( Battle [lifeinthefastlane.com]
(Battle sign), onset 1-3 days after fracture occurred Raccoon eyes: periorbital ecchymosis Clear rhinorrhea or otorrhea "halo" sign: drop of fluid placed on tissue or filter paper, rapidly expanding ring of clear fluid around red blood defines positive [wikem.org]
- Unconsciousness
The concussion may not damage any brain structures, but temporary unconsciousness is possible. The length of time a person remains unconscious varies. [what-when-how.com]
Both of which can contribute to these general fractured skull symptoms, like: amnesia headache confusion drowsiness concussion convulsions neck stiffness vision changes slurred speech cerebral edema unconsciousness balance difficulties nausea & vomiting [healthblurbs.com]
The person is unconscious, is experiencing convulsions, has multiple injuries, appears to be in any distress, or cannot think clearly. Prevention Not all head injuries can be prevented. [pennstatehershey.adam.com]
The person is unconscious, is experiencing convulsions, has multiple injuries, appears to be in any distress, or cannot think clearly. Not all head injuries can be prevented. [medlineplus.gov]
- Severe Pain
pain at the trauma site swelling at the trauma site redness or warmth at the trauma site Less severe symptoms, or those that may not necessarily appear to be related to a skull fracture, may include: headache nausea vomiting blurred vision restlessness [healthline.com]
Respiratoric
- Anosmia
Conductive hearing loss, anosmia, nystagmus, and vomiting after head injury should also raise suspicion of a basilar skull fracture. [emra.org]
Anterior Fossa Fracture - anosmia, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, subconjunctival hemorrhage, periorbital hemorrage (raccoon eyes, visual disturbances, altered eye movement, ptosis, loss of sensation to forehead, cornea and nare Middle Fossa Fracture - loss of [lhsc.on.ca]
Signs/Symptoms of a Basilar Skull Fracture: Battle Sign Hearing loss Tympanic membrane perforation CSF otorrhea/rhinorrhea Bilateral periorbital eccymosis (Racoon eyes) Peripheral facial nerve palsy Vestibular dysfunction Anosmia Reference: Ratilal BO [thesgem.com]
Further cranial nerve examination showed that the patient also had anosmia. The β transferrin assay returned positive for CSF. He was observed and discharged with close follow up. [emdocs.net]
Gastrointestinal
- Vomiting
A 9-year-old boy presented with acute headache, fever and vomiting. He had recurrent meningitis episode one month earlier and a head trauma 6 months ago. Laboratory findings and lumbar puncture suggested an intracranial bacterial infection. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
If the person is vomiting, stabilize the head and neck, and carefully turn the victim to the side to prevent choking on vomit. [pennstatehershey.adam.com]
[…] orbital plate of the frontal bone petrous and squamous portion of the temporal bone sphenoid and occipital bones Occur most commonly through temporal bone--> high risk for extra-axial hematomas, particularly epidural hematoma Clinical Features Nausea/vomiting [wikem.org]
[…] fractures carotid injury CN III, IV, V, and/or VI injury posterior skull fractures cervical spina injury vertebral artery injury CN IX, X, and XII injury Associated conditions cervical spine injury Presentation Symptoms altered mental status nausea vomiting [step2.medbullets.com]
Eyes
- Visual Impairment
Some of the known clinical signs of BSF include racoon eye, rhinorrhoea, rhinorrhagia, anosmia, visual impairment, otorrhoea, otorrhagia, hearing loss, neurovascular injuries, Battle sign, phonation problems, vocal cord paralysis and/or aspiration.4,6,14 [sajr.org.za]
Ears
- Otorrhagia
[…] however, historically a number of signs were described as being helpful in suggesting the presence of a base of skull fracture: anterior cranial fossa fracture CSF rhinorrhea raccoon eyes sign petrous temporal bone fracture Battle sign CSF otorrhea otorrhagia [radiopaedia.org]
Conversely, the most common clinical signs of MCF were otorrhoea and otorrhagia, each sign presenting in three patients (Table 2). There were no clinical signs observed for PCF fractures. [sajr.org.za]
Musculoskeletal
- Fracture
Fractures, SKULL FRACTURE, Fracture of Skull, FRACTURE, SKULL, Skull fracture, Fracture of skull, Fractured skull, Fracture of skull (disorder), fracture; skull, skull; fracture, Fracture of skull, NOS, FRACTURE OF SKULL, fractured skull Italian Frattura [fpnotebook.com]
Basilar skull fracture Other names Basal skull fracture, skull base fractures[1] A subtle temporal bone fracture as seen on CT in a person with a severe head injury Specialty Emergency medicine, neurosurgery Symptoms Bruising behind the ears, bruising [en.wikipedia.org]
Temporal fracture Temporal bone is the most common location of basilar skull fracture and represents 75% of all skull base fractures. Several classifications of the temporal fracture exist. [symptoma.com]
Temporal fracture Temporal bone fracture is encountered in 75% of all skull base fractures. [emedicine.medscape.com]
- Contusion
There were multiple contusions on the right side of his head and blood draining from his nose, but he had no difficulty maintaining his airway. His pupils were equal and he was able to move all four extremities. [accessemergencymedicine.mhmedical.com]
2015 ICD-9-CM Diagnosis Code 801.1 Closed fracture of base of skull with cerebral laceration and contusion There are 8 ICD-9-CM codes below 801.1 that define this diagnosis in greater detail. Do not use this code on a reimbursement claim. [icd9data.com]
Two of the five patients had a posterior temporal hemorrhagic area ipsilateral to the affected sinus, suggesting that this finding may have represented hemorrhagic venous infarction rather than traumatic contusion. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]
[…] generalized disturbance in LOC.Seizures are a common complication of brain contusion. [studynursing.blogspot.com]
Contusion or intracerebral hematoma. A contusion is a bruise to the brain itself. A contusion causes bleeding and swelling inside of the brain around the area where the head was struck. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
- Skull Disorder
skull fracture, skull fracture (diagnosis), Skull Fractures [Disease/Finding], fractures of the skull, skull fractures, Fracture;skull, Skull fractures, Fracture of skull NOS (disorder), Skull fracture NOS (disorder), Skull fracture (disorder), Skull [fpnotebook.com]
- Back Pain
A Holistic Approach to Back Pain Jan 30, 2019 Anyone who has had back pain—and that’s nearly all of us—knows how debilitating it can be. Even more frustrating is that for many, that pain comes back, again and again, no matter what they try. [healthcare.utah.edu]
Face, Head & Neck
- Epistaxis
Anterior Fossa Fracture - anosmia, epistaxis, rhinorrhea, subconjunctival hemorrhage, periorbital hemorrage (raccoon eyes, visual disturbances, altered eye movement, ptosis, loss of sensation to forehead, cornea and nare Middle Fossa Fracture - loss of [lhsc.on.ca]
Traumatic epistaxis: Skull base defects, intracranial complications andneurosurgical considerations. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2013;4(8):656-661. Spurrier EJ, Johnston AM. Use of nasogastric tubes in trauma patients–a review. [emdocs.net]
Neurologic
- Confusion
FULL -CONFUSION--can be early sign of cerebral issue -LETHARGY--sleepy, difficult to arouse, but once awake, is alert and can follow instructions -OBTUNDATION--very difficult to arouse, but can -STUPOR--difficult to arouse, even w painful stim -COMA- [quizlet.com]
Rancho Level Clinical Correlate I No Response II Generalized response III Localized response IV Confused-agitated V Confused-inappropriate VI Confused-appropriate VII Automatic-inappropriate VIII Purposeful and appropriate It is often difficult and unsafe [mswrehabmgmt.com]
See a doctor right away for new symptoms, such as worsening headache, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Basilar skull fractures can range from minor to severe. [medicalnewstoday.com]
Both of which can contribute to these general fractured skull symptoms, like: amnesia headache confusion drowsiness concussion convulsions neck stiffness vision changes slurred speech cerebral edema unconsciousness balance difficulties nausea & vomiting [healthblurbs.com]
Some symptoms of basilar skull fractures may including bleeding from the site of the wound, or through the ears, nose or eyes, bruising behind the ears or under the eyes, changes in the size of pupils, confusions, convulsions, drowsiness, headaches, nausea [ebtrialattorneys.com]
- Dizziness
She c/o pain behind R ear, tinnitus, dizziness, and slurred speech. [slideshare.net]
See a doctor right away for new symptoms, such as worsening headache, dizziness, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Basilar skull fractures can range from minor to severe. [medicalnewstoday.com]
A physician will conduct a physical examination to check for dizziness and vertigo. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. Hearing and eye tests may be conducted in severe cases. [athena.targetwoman.com]
Facial muscle weakness, balance problems, dizziness, ringing in the ears, visual difficulties, and nasal leakage can also be associated with this type of skull fracture. [grayandwhitelaw.com]
- Vertigo
Basilar Skull Fracture: Blood in ear canal Hemotympanum Rhinorrhea/Otorrhea Battle's sign (retroauricular hematoma) Raccoon sign (periorbital ecchymosis) Cranial nerve deficits Facial paralysis Decreased auditory acuity Dizziness/Vertigo [slideshare.net]
A physician will conduct a physical examination to check for dizziness and vertigo. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. Hearing and eye tests may be conducted in severe cases. [athena.targetwoman.com]
HEARING LOSS, VERTIGO, DIZZINESS, & BLINDNESS Linear fractures involving the temporal-parietal bones may damage the auditory meatus, eustachian tube, and ear drum causing hearing loss, tinnitus, disorders of equiilbrium and vertigo. [brainmind.com]
The patient is admitted to the intensive care unit where she develops self-limited vertigo but is later discharged home in stable condition. Image 1. Small left temporoparietal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Image 2. [emra.org]
- Stroke
Haemorrhage intracranial, Haemorrhagic stroke, Intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, Ischaemic cerebral infarction, Ischaemic stroke, Lacunar infarction, Migraine with aura, Subarachnoid haemorrhage, Superior sagittal sinus thrombosis, Thromboembolic [da.glosbe.com]
Stroke due to arterial dissection is reported in as many as 31% of carotid artery injuries.11 High-risk patients should undergo CT angiography. [emra.org]
Stroke, 2012. 43(1): p. e8: author reply e9. 11.Kappelhof, M., et al., Intra-arterial treatment of patients with acute ischemic stroke and internal carotid artery occlusion: a literature review. [neuro.dxy.cn]
The Neuro-ICU cares for patients with all types of neurosurgical and neurological injuries, including stroke, brain hemorrhage, trauma and tumors. [uclahealth.org]
- Cranial Nerve Involvement
The injury of IX, X, XI, and XII cranial nerves with occipital condylar fracture is referred to as Collet-Sicard syndrome. A variety of symptoms may develop depending on the involvement of cranial nerves and related structures. [symptoma.com]
Facial palsy, nystagmus, and facial numbness are secondary to involvement of the VII, VI, and V cranial nerves, respectively. [medscape.com]
Workup
CT scan is an ultimate diagnostic modality for the skull fractures [13], having sensitivity of 85.4% and specificity of 100% [14]. Sagittal reconstruction with thin slices of 1-1.5 mm thickness is the optimal mode of CT scanning. Helical scan may be useful for evaluating occipital condylar fractures.
CT scan is superior to other imaging studies. Some studies report CT scans missing up to 11.9% of skull fractures with a plain x-ray missing approximately 19.1% of them. However, plain x-ray may be useful for diagnosis of the fracture at the vertex, which tend to be missed more by CT.
To ascertain the content of leakage from nose or ear as CSF, a “halo” sign may be tested. When dabbing the tested liquid on a tissue paper it will form a clear ring beyond the blood area. Laboratory testing of the liquid could also be performed as CSF contains certain amounts of glucose and tau-transferrin, which may differentiate it from other liquids.
A complete physical examination must be performed on all patients with the particular focus on neurologic functions.
Treatment
All patients with basilar skull fractures need to be immediate hospitalization as serious life-threatening complication could arise and require immediate management. Intracranial hemorrhages is an example of such surgical emergency.
The CFS leaks, although usually resolve spontaneously in a time of one week, may pose a risk for development of meningitis. The risk for meningitis is reported to be approximately 3% during the first week of admission. Studies suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis is not sufficiently effective in prevention of meningitis in patients with basilar skull fractures in the first seven days, however, may provide a benefit if the leakage continues past the first week [15].
Cranial nerve deficits due to compression or contusion usually have delayed presentation and may resolve with glucocorticoids treatment, however, the research data supporting such management is not sufficient at the time. The treatment strategies of the nontraumatic neurological deficits such as Bell's palsy may be applied in the cases of basilar skull fracture. Facial nerve deficits caused by nerve transection are not recoverable and will not respond to corticosteroids.
Prognosis
Stable fractures without displacement may heal spontaneously. However, a couple of complications may arise following the course of the disease. Patients are particularly prone to meningitis with antibiotic prophylaxis showing questionable efficacy. Temporal fractures may affect the internal carotid artery through damage of carotid canal [8], which certainly makes the prognosis less positive.
Etiology
The causative event of the fracture is applied force. Amongst the most common causes are assault (30%), motor vehicle accidents (20-25%) [2], and most frequently, the fall from high (25-35%). The cause also differs with age. Physical abuse and falls are the most common etiology in infants. In adults and adolescents the most common causes in decreasing order are falls, motor vehicle accidents and assaults [3].
The type of occurring fracture depends on the vector of the applied external force and the surface it is applied to. Linear fractures are usually occurring from falls, when mild force is utilized over a broad surface. Comminuted and depressed types are possible from assault performed with blunt or sharp object. In these types of fractures the resulted injury is from severe force applied over a smaller localized area. Comminuted and depressed types also happen from penetrating and gunshot wounds.
Basilar skull fracture in children should rise a concern for physical abuse as a possible cause if the parents explanation of occurred events is not consistent with the injury. Thorough examination for other possible signs such as retinal hemorrhages, bruises and burns and long-bone fractures should be performed if abuse is suspected. However, the prevalence of basilar skull fracture is reported to be higher in non-abused rather than abused children under the age of 2.
Epidemiology
Of all the head trauma, skull fractures account for 2% to 20% of the cases. The annual incidence in general population is 35 to 45/100,000 [4]. Basilar skull fracture accounts for approximately 20% of all skull fractures.
Basilar skull fractures tend to more likely affect younger and most active part of population in the ages of 20 to 50 years. Most of the patients are male as the male gender has been associated with consistently higher risks for trauma, probably due to the fact that men are more prone to risky behavior, crime and violence in general.
Pathophysiology
The exact pathophysiology of basilar skull fracture depends on the specific location of the fracture on the skull base. In general, basilar skull fractures are a form of linear fracture and usually are accompanied by the tear in dura.
Temporal fracture
Temporal bone is the most common location of basilar skull fracture and represents 75% of all skull base fractures. Several classifications of the temporal fracture exist.
Temporal fractures can be either longitudinal, transverse or mixed. Longitudinal type is the most common (70-90%) and constitutes for the fracture of temporoparietal zone. It affects such structures as the superior wall of the external auditory canal, squamous portion of the temporal bone and the tegmen tympani. The fracture may extend further into the cochlea and labyrinth and even reach the foramen spinosum of middle cranial fossa or the mastoid air cells. Transverse type is less common (5-30%) and originates at the foramen magnum. Transverse fracture may also reach middle cranial fossa, cochlea and labyrinth. Mixed type has features of both types.
Temporal fractures can also be classified as petrous and nonpetrous. Nonpetrous type is characterized by mastoid cell involvement and is not associated with cranial nerve injury [5].
Occipital condylar fracture
Occipital condylar fracture occur from damage to the alar ligament. The possible ways of such injury are axial compression, bending or rotation from blunt force. Three types of the occipital condylar fracture have been described. An additional specification may be made as to involvement of ligaments with differentiation of stable and displaced subtypes [6].
- Type I fracture constitutes for comminution of the occipital condyle, occurring due to axial compression. Usually stable.
- Type II fracture has more extensive basioccipital involvement, however, characterized by alar ligament and tectorial membranes being spared, thus being classified as stable.
- Type III fracture is potentially more dangerous and characterized by forced rotation and bending of the base of the skull. This type may be classified as unstable.
Clivus fractures
Clivus fracture occurs from a forced blow in the events of motor vehicle collisions. Several types have been described, such as longitudinal, transverse and oblique. Longitudinal type accounts for the worst outcomes, as it can affect the vertebrobasilar system and cranial nerves VI and VII [7].
Prevention
Skull fractures can be prevented by basic safety measures. Protective gear (helmets) should be worn during such high-risk activities as motorcycle and bicycle riding and active sports.
Summary
A basilar skull fracture is a fracture occurring in the bones that constitute the base (bottom part) of the skull. The skull has several “weak” anatomical points which are prone to fracture when the extensive force is applied. Amongst these sites are the cribriform plate, roof of the orbits, temporal and parietal bones, sphenoid sinus, foramen magnum and the skull base [1]. In the base of the skull, the middle cranial fossa consists of rather weak structures of thin bones and multiple orifices. Anterior and posterior fossa also have certain soft spots at the upper walls of the orbits and mastoids, respectively.
A sufficient force need to be applied to the skull in order to cause a basilar fracture. Most commonly it happens as the result of a falls, motor vehicle accidents or violent assault. The most common cause varies in different age groups. The active population is more affected and the majority of the patients are male.
The characteristics and the applicable area of the force are influencing the type of fractures that occur. The basilar skull fracture can develop at the temporal, occipital and clivus locations. Temporal fractures are the most common and are classified as longitudinal, transversal or mixed as well as petrous and non-petrous in regards to the fracture location. Occipital fractures are classified as three types and stable versus dislocated. Clivus fracture is also a possible subtype.
The presentation varies according to the location. All types can present with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage from nose and ears, which usually resolves spontaneously, however, also makes patients vulnerable to meningitis. The anterior fossa fractures may classically present with dark bruises around the eyes (raccoon eyes) and the posterior fossa fractures manifest as bruising on the mastoids (Battle sign). The occipital condylar fracture is usually severe and results in coma. A diverse variety of symptoms may arise from the cranial nerves involvement. Some of the most common are hearing loss and facial palsy.
The computed tomography (CT) scan is the main diagnostic modality. Other imaging studies are not as effective. Laboratory testing of leakage from the nose or ear may be performed to determine if the liquid is CSF.
All patients have to be hospitalized due to possible life-threatening emergencies like intracranial hemorrhage. Antibiotic prophylaxis for meningitis has not been proven to be effective. Cranial nerves involvement may respond to corticosteroid therapy if it is caused by compression, however, transection injuries are permanent.
Patient Information
A basilar skull fracture is a fracture of the bones located at the bottom of the skull, which is called the base of the skull. Those bones are the temporal bone, occipital bone, sphenoid bone and ethmoid bone.
It is a rather rare type of fracture and requires a blow of significant force to be applied to the head. This is most commonly happening from the falls from high places, during the motor vehicle collisions and violent assaults.
Symptoms of the basilar skull fractures may be depends on the exact location of the fracture and the surrounding blood vessels, nerves and brain structures. Some of the possible symptoms: clear or mixed with blood liquid oozing from the ear or nose (the liquid is called cerebrospinal fluid and normally covers the brain and spinal cord), hearing loss, blurred or decreased vision, trouble with maintaining posture, headache, nausea, vomiting, weakness and numbness of the face and body, bruises around the eyes and behind the ear. In severe cases people with basilar skull fractures may appear in coma.
The doctors will need to take images of the patient’s brain in order to make the diagnosis and determine the treatment plan. This is usually done with computed tomography (CT) scan. If a leakage from the nose or ear is present, a sample may be taken to the laboratory to determine the origin of the fluid.
All patients with basilar skull fractures need to admit in hospital immediately and closely monitored for some time. In some cases, surgical intervention is necessary. The medication to reduce the inflammation of compressed nerves may be given to reduce symptoms.
References
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- Ervadei F, Ciucci G, Pagano F, et al. Skull fracture as a risk factor of intracranial complications in minor head injuries: a prospective CT study in a series of 98 adult patients. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1988; 51:526-528.
- Besenski N. Traumatic injuries: imaging of head injuries. Eur Radiol. 2002; 12:1237-1252.
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- Besenski N. Traumatic injuries: imaging of head injuries. Eur Radiol. 2002; 12:1237-1252.
- Tuli S, Tator CH, Fehlings MG, et al. Occipital condyle fractures. Neurosurgery. 1997 Aug; 41(2):368-76.
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- Resnick DK, Subach BR, Marion DW. The Significance of Carotid Canal Involvement in Basilar Cranial Fracture. Neurosurgery. 1997; 40(6):1177–81.
- Legros B, Fournier P, Chiaroni P, et al. Basal fracture of the skull and lower (IX, X, XI, XII) cranial nerves palsy: four case reports including two fractures of the occipital condyle—a literature review. J Trauma. 2000 Feb; 48(2):342-8.
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- Idriz S, Patel JH, Ameli Renani S, et al. CT of Normal Developmental and Variant Anatomy of the Pediatric Skull: Distinguishing Trauma from Normality. Radiographics. 2015 Jul 31; 140177.
- Chawla H, Yadav RK, Griwan MS, et al. Sensitivity and specificity of CT scan in revealing skull fracture in medico-legal head injury victims. Australas Med J. 2015; 8 (7):235-8.
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