Symptoms of BASILAR SKULL FRACTURE

Basilar skull fractures usually involve the bone over the eyes or the bone immediately above the structures involved with hearing and balance. In either case, cerebrospinal fluid leaks can develop, where clear fluid drains out the nose, ear or down the throat. If bacteria gain entry into the brain through these openings, meningitis, fever, a stiff neck, and a variety of neurological symptoms may occur. When the fracture involves one of the sinuses, infection of the sinus can occur. If the sinus lining becomes disrupted, a mucocele can develop as mucus secreted cannot drain and forms an enlarging mass. Fractures involving the skull base near the ear, the petrous bone, may lead to loss of hearing, dizziness and vertigo and facial weakness or paralysis.