When the skull is broken, the delicate tissues of the brain are exposed to further harm in the form of infections or further injury during other blows. In addition, bone fragments remaining from a traumatic brain injury such as a fall or car accident can move around and injure the brain after the initial traumatic event. An infection may be possible in the brain if skull pieces have been removed intentionally or accidentally to allow the brain to swell. Open head injuries are very serious and can consequently result in mental illness, paralysis and seizures.
Types of Skull Fractures
There are almost as many varieties of skull fractures as there are ways in which the skull can be broken. The two major varieties of skull fracture in open head injuries are simple "linear" skull fractures and depressed skull fractures.
Linear Fractures
The term "linear skull fracture" is used to refer to a straightforward crack or break in the skull. Linear fractures may be relatively minor and require little or no treatment, though doctors will still want to diagnose and treat the potential damage caused to the brain upon impact and breakage of the skull. The placement of linear fractures is important; when a linear skull fracture extends into the sinus cavity, it may cause leakage of cerebrospinal fluid through the ears or nose and may require insertion of a drainage device. If the linear skull fracture occurs near the base of the skull, it may cause other complications such as nerve or artery damage.
Depressed Skull Fractures
The term "depressed skull fracture" is used to refer to a situation in which the broken bone presses down into or on top of the brain. Depressed skull fractures are common in victims of traumatic brain injury whose heads have been struck with blunt objects. A depressed skull fracture can be compared to a "dent" in the skull; in the event that the fracture of the skull is or larger than the thickness of the skull bone surrounding it, a surgical procedure is likely necessary.
Treating Open Head Injury and Traumatic Brain Injury
There are several options for the victims of open head injuries and related brain damage. To prevent further injury to the brain, a surgical procedure may help to provide removal and repair of bone or skull pieces that still exist in the brain. Bone fragments may be removed or replaced with synthetic skull pieces to protect the fragile brain tissue. In addition, some patients whose open head injuries are never repaired may have to wear a helmet to prevent re-injury in the case of a fall due to a seizure or other event.
If You've Suffered From Open Head Injury or TBI
If you have suffered from brain injury due to a skull fracture or other open head injury, you may be eligible for compensation and damages to make up for medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical care. Contact an experienced brain injury attorney for more information on filing your traumatic brain injury claim and recovering damages for traumatic brain injury side effects.
