Skull Fracture - Types, Causes, and Treatment

Introduction

When it comes to the term skull fracture, people might think of something that only happens in a car accident or with serious falls. But the fact is a skull fracture can also occur during sports activities. Contact sports cause a lot of head injuries due to collisions with other players, falling, or injuries with sports equipment. These injuries are sometimes minor but can be very severe depending upon the type of injury. A skull fracture is mostly fatal. It is mandatory to wear proper protective gear during sports to avoid any kind of head injury. All the sports authorities apply helmets and protective wear rules during sports. In case of head injury, immediate treatment is necessary.

What Is a Skull Fracture?

A skull fracture is a break in the skull bone, also called a cranial fracture. It is a type of head injury. It can occur due to falls, accidents, and sports injuries. They can range in severity from a minor crack to a serious injury that penetrates the brain. Symptoms of a skull fracture include headache, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty speaking. A skull fracture can be minor or very severe and it can lead to permanent disability or death. Immediate treatment is necessary in case of a skull fracture.

What Are the Types of Skull Fractures?

Skull fractures are of three types which are listed below:

• Linear Fractures - These are simple fractures and have very few complications. They mostly heal early.

• Comminuted Fractures - In this type of fracture, bone gets broken into many pieces. There are chances of secondary infection in comminuted fracture.

• Depressed Fractures - Fractured pieces get depressed inside the skull, and deformity can be seen.

Which Bones Are Fractured in a Skull Fracture?

Skull comprises frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, ethmoid, and sphenoid bones. During skull fractures, any of these bones can get fractured.

What Are the Causes of a Skull Fracture in Sports?

Various actions on the playing field can cause skull fractures. Some common causes of skull fractures are listed below:

• The most common cause of skull fractures in sports is a direct impact on the head. This can happen when a ball or another player hits a player or when they fall and hit their head on the ground.

• A violent collision between two players can also cause skull fractures or a landing on the top of the head after a fall.

What Symptoms Can Be Seen in a Skull Fracture?

If someone has a skull fracture, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Delays in treatment can lead to serious complications, including brain damage and death. Symptoms of skull fracture are listed below.

• Headache.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Dizziness.

• Coma.

• Bruises.

• Depression in bony parts.

• Black eyes (raccoon eyes).

• Visual deformity.

• Loss of senses.

• Unconsciousness.

• Hallucination.

• Depending upon the injury, the person may experience seizures.

How to Diagnose Skull Fractures?

Proper diagnosis of skull fractures can help a lot in the treatment procedure. The doctor will start with a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to determine the soft tissue injury. Plain skull X-rays are also helpful in diagnosing skull fractures.

What Are the Treatments Available for a Skull Fracture?

Skull fractures can be very dangerous and lead to serious injuries if not treated properly. Medical professionals will evaluate the injury and decide on the best course of treatment.

• Linear fractures simply get healed over the course of time (six months to one year).

• Comminuted fractures are more complex than linear fractures, and that is why they require more time to heal. Depending upon the severity of the fracture, a surgical procedure can be done.

• Neurosurgeons remove any hematoma formation in the fractured areas.

What Complications Can Occur if a Skull Fracture is Left Untreated?

If a person is involved in sporting activity and suffers a head injury, the person must be aware of the potential complications. A skull fracture is a serious injury and can lead to many health complications if not treated properly. Some usual complications associated with skull fractures include -

• Bleeding inside the skull.

• Brain swelling.

• Damage to the brain tissue.

• Infection.

• Loss of vision.

• Paralysis.

• Loss of sensation.

• Loss of motor or sensory activity.

Which Sport Is More Likely to Cause Skull Fracture?

All outdoor games have some chance of injuries. A collision between two players is frequent in contact sports and results in injuries like a skull fracture or bone fracture. Some sports have more chances of skull fracture, such as:

• Hockey.

• Cricket.

• Golf.

• Football.

• Baseball.

• Cycling.

• Gymnastic.

• Boxing.

• Martial arts.

How to Prevent Skull Fractures During Sports?

Wearing protective headgear during sports helps prevent skull fractures and head injuries. Sports like cricket, boxing, golf, and hockey have high chances of head injury and skull fracture. Sports authorities are very strict with wearing protective gear while performing, and a helmet is necessary for sports like cricket or cycling.

Dehydration is also a cause of falling on the field and can result in skull fractures. Every sports person should drink enough water to avoid dehydration during a sport.

What to Do If Any Athlete has a Skull Fracture?

If any sports person is injured, the following steps will help treat the injured person.

• Call the emergency care unit and ambulance immediately.

• Provide first aid: ABCD (airway, circulation, breathing, disability).

• If the patient is unconscious, clear the airways.

• Remove unnecessary mobs from the surroundings.

• Try to collect the medical history of the injured person.

• Inform the family of the injured person.

Conclusion

Everyone who participates in contact sports is susceptible to a skull fracture, even if they do not think of it. Proper knowledge about the symptoms and knowing what to do at first if it happens to anyone is good. Seek medical attention immediately when experiencing any of the symptoms of a skull fracture. Avoid self-diagnosis or treatment. Proper diagnosis and immediate treatment are crucial in preventing further damage and reducing the risk of serious complications.