The dura is firmly adherent to the base of the skull and hence any forms of fracture to the base of the skull can cause tearing of the dura and CSF leakage, and the potential for air to enter the cranial cavity (pneumocephalus). Both of these complications are risk factors for potential of CNS Infection.
Axial CT Scan showing longitudental fracture through the base of the skull- the temporal bones. Note the presence of the mastoid air cells.
Clinical Signs
Headache
Battle’s sign (brusing behind the mastoid)
Peri-orbital ecchymosis
CSF Rhinorrhea
CSF Otorrhea/Haemotympanum
Management
The management involves Monitoring for complications such as
CSF Fistula
Meningitis
Cerebral Abscess
Neurological Injury- note the petrous temporal bone containing the 7th and 8th nerve
There is no evidence suggesting prophylactic use of antibiotics with a basal skull fracture
A ‘Pneumovax’ vaccine is given with basal skull fractures. Note the organism in this case is Streptococcus Pneumonia NOT Neisseria Meningitis.
If suspected ethmoid fracture don’t insert a Nasopharyngeal tube or an Nasogastric tube