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Skull Fracture

Most skull fractures only cause minor health effects, but more severe injuries can be life-threatening. As a result, it is important to be medically assessed after experiencing a head injury to determine the scope and severity of the damage.

If the effects are less serious, your doctor may recommend rest and monitoring until the skull heals. People with skull fractures can also benefit from certain medications to boost comfort and decrease the chances of complications like infections and seizures.

What Kind of Medications Are Used to Treat Skull Fractures?

With mild to moderate skull fractures, the following medications may be included within the patient’s treatment plan:

  • Pain Medication – Most people with skull fractures can find relief with over-the-counter pain medication. However, your doctor can also prescribe narcotic medication for intense pain. Keep in mind that these drugs must be used carefully to avoid dependency and other risks. 
  • Antiseizure Drugs – Some head injuries carry a risk of seizures, which results from faulty electrical signalling in the brain. If you experience a seizure after a head injury or are at risk of having one, your doctor will prescribe antiseizure medication. 
  • Antibiotics – Skull fractures can also carry a chance of bacterial infection. In this case, antibiotics can eliminate bacteria and stop more serious health effects from occurring.

The healing timeline for a skull fracture varies according to the severity of the damage. In most cases, recovery will take place over the course of weeks to months.

What Other Treatments Are Available?

Serious fractures will need to be repaired via surgery, or the patient may require a procedure to relieve pressure in the brain. Surgery entails repairing and properly positioning broken skull fragments, while lumbar drains are procedures that can remove excess cerebrospinal fluid via a small tube inserted into the back.

 
 
 

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