A skull fracture is a break in one of the bones of your head. A fracture may be a hairline crack, or it can be what is called a depressed fracture. A skull fracture can injure the brain. If you have a cut in the skin over a skull fracture, bacteria can enter the skull and may cause an infection.
Sometimes, signs of a brain injury do not show up until days or weeks after a skull fracture. For that reason, you need to watch for severe headaches, or blood or fluid leaking from your nose or ears. Ask someone to watch for confusion or other behavior changes you may have.
You heal best when you take good care of yourself. Eat a variety of healthy foods, and don't smoke.
If you have had a mild concussion, you may have a mild headache or just feel "not quite right." These symptoms are normal and usually go away on their own. It can take a few days to a few weeks for the symptoms to fade. Occasionally, after a concussion you may feel as if you are not functioning as well as you did before the injury; you may develop new symptoms. This is called postconcussion syndrome. You may:
It may take several weeks to many months for these symptoms to go away, but you should mention any new symptoms to your doctor.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated