Skull fracture

Although the skull is tough, resilient, and provides excellent protection for the brain, a severe impact or blow can result in fracture of the skull and may be accompanied by injury to the brain. Some of the different types of skull fracture include: Simple: a break in the bone without damage to the skinLinear or hairline: a break in a cranial bone resembling a thin line, without splintering, depression, or distortion of boneDepressed: a break in a cranial bone (or "crushed" portion of skull) with depression of the bone in toward the brainCompound: a break in or loss of skin and splintering of the bone. Along with the fracture, brain injury, such as subdural hematoma (bleeding) may occur.

Review Date: 03/21/2006
Reviewed By: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.