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Basilar fracture

A basilar fracture is a fracture of the skull. Skull fractures may occur with head injuries. 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. It may be accompanied by injury to the brain.

Types of Basilar fractures

A simple fracture is a break in the bone without damage to the skin.

A linear skull fracture is a break in a cranial bone resembling a thin line, without splintering, depression, or distortion of bone.

A depressed skull fracture is a break in a cranial bone (or "crushed" portion of skull) with depression of the bone in toward the brain.

A compound fracture involves a break in, or loss of skin and splintering of the bone.

Symptoms of a basilar fracture

Symptoms of skull fractures may include headaches, confusion, persistent blurred vision, unconsciousness, amnesia or loss of memory, muscles weakness, paralysis, loss of sensation, vomiting, unequally sized pupils, double vision and even deteriorating levels of consciousness that suggest progressive brain damage.

How a basilar fracture is diagnosed

A computed tomography (CT) scan may locate the fracture.
MRI may also be used
Cerebral angiography locates vascular disruptions from internal pressure or injury.

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