Car accidents are capable of causing many different types of head, skull and brain injuries. One example is a basilar skull fracture, which is a bone fracture at the base of the skull that can arise from trauma forces involving the back of the head. Because these trauma cases often involve complex liability and long-term recovery, many victims choose to consult with an Orange County brain injury attorney to understand their options. A basilar skull fracture can cause serious symptoms in severe cases.
What Is a Basilar Skull Fracture?
A basilar skull fracture, also known as a basal skull fracture, describes a broken bone at the base of the skull. The bottom part of the skull contains four main bones, as well as the orbital part of the frontal skull bone. If a basilar skull fracture occurs, it can damage any of these bones and potentially cause a medical emergency by injuring the victim’s brain.
In many cases, basilar skull fractures heal on their own with rest. If the damage is severe, however, necessary treatments may include surgery, pain relief medications, bedrest and procedures to manage any ongoing cerebrospinal fluid leaks.
Car Accident Forces and Basilar Skull Fractures
Fractures of the base of the skull can occur in many types of accidents that involve head trauma, including bad falls, physical assaults, penetrating injuries and motor vehicle accidents. When a vehicle collides with another vehicle or a fixed object, the sudden stop of the car’s forward velocity can cause many injuries to occupants.
If anything strikes a victim’s head due to the forces of the collision, skull fractures and related traumatic brain injuries may arise. A basilar skull fracture requires a high amount of blunt-force trauma to the back of the skull. This could occur if a crash victim’s head strikes a window or another hard surface.
Symptoms and Effects of a Basilar Skull Fracture
After a motor vehicle accident, a victim should receive immediate medical attention to detect and diagnose any injuries. This includes CT scans or x-rays to search for skull fractures and possible brain injuries. However, basal fractures often are not picked up by medical scans.
Instead, they are most often diagnosed through physical signs, such as:
- “Raccoon eyes” – bruising around the eyes
- “Battle sign” – crescent-shaped bruising near the ear
- Blood or clear fluid leaking from the nose
- Problems with vision
- Altered eye movements
- Loss of sensation in the face
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing damage
- Loss of smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
The specific symptoms presented in a patient with a basilar skull fracture will depend on which bone was broken, as different locations can affect different nerves and vessels. If a basilar skull fracture is accompanied by a traumatic brain injury, the victim can suffer long-term effects, such as cognitive and motor function disabilities.
Seeking Financial Compensation for a Basilar Skull Fracture in California
If you are diagnosed with a basilar skull fracture or a related traumatic brain injury after a car accident in California, contact an attorney for help with the injury claims process. An Orange County personal injury attorney can represent you during negotiations with an insurance provider or during a personal injury trial, if necessary.
It’s important to work with an injury lawyer if you sustain a basal skull fracture due to the severity of these injuries. A lawyer will fight for fair compensation for your related medical costs, lost wages, short-term or permanent disability, pain and suffering, and additional damages. Meanwhile, you can concentrate your energy on healing from your skull fracture injury.