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Head injury and concussion
A guide for patients and carers
What if the skull is fractured?
The skull is a very rigid structure. To damage it usually requires a lot of force, so a fracture is a sign that the head has received a significant injury. Someone with a skull fracture will, therefore, always be admitted to hospital for observation.
Will it heal?
The skull almost always heals, but this may take many months. However, any pain or tenderness from the fracture will subside as the inevitable bruising settles down, usually in five to 10 days. Occasionally with a skull fracture parts of the bone are pushed inwards (depressed). This may require an operation to repair it, especially if the skin over the fracture is cut.
The skull almost always heals, but this may take many months. However, any pain or tenderness from the fracture will subside as the inevitable bruising settles down, usually in five to 10 days. Occasionally with a skull fracture parts of the bone are pushed inwards (depressed). This may require an operation to repair it, especially if the skin over the fracture is cut.
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Contents
- Introduction
- What are the main causes of head injury?
- What are the signs of a serious injury?
- What will happen at the hospital?
- Who gets admitted to hospital?
- What if the skull is fractured?
- What is concussion?
- What will happen if there is internal bleeding?
- What happens in the neurosurgical unit?
- The intensive care unit
- Coma and level of consciousness
- Recovery from a severe head injury
- Summary
- Other organisations that may be able to help
