Manifestations
- Manifestations depend upon the severity and location of the injury
- Scalp wounds
- Tend to bleed heavily, and are also portals for infection
- Skull fractures
- Usually have localized, persistent pain
- Fractures of the base of the skull
- Bleeding from nose, pharynx, or ears
- Battle’s sign—ecchymosis behind the ear
- CSF leak—halo sign—ring of fluid around the blood stain from drainage
Basilar Fractures Allow CSF to Leak from the Nose and Ears
Manifestations of Brain Injury
- Altered LOC
- Pupillary abnormalities
- Sudden onset of neurologic deficits and neurologic changes; changes in sense,
movement, reflexes