Types of Skull Fracture Injuries & Treatments
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers | January 2, 2026 | Personal Injury
A skull fracture happens when a strong impact causes any of the bones protecting the brain to break. These injuries are considered serious because they often involve force strong enough to damage the brain itself. In San Diego, skull fractures frequently occur after car accidents, pedestrian collisions, falls from heights, and construction incidents.
Some skull fractures are relatively stable and heal with time. Others are medical emergencies that can lead to permanent brain damage or death without immediate care. Knowing the different types of skull fractures and how they are treated can help personal injury patients and their families better understand what lies ahead.
Understanding Skull Fractures
A skull fracture is not a single diagnosis but a category of injuries with varying levels of severity. The skull is made up of several bones, and damage can range from a small crack to shattered or displaced bone fragments.
Because the skull surrounds the brain, these fractures often occur alongside traumatic brain injuries, bleeding inside the skull, or swelling that increases pressure on the brain. Symptoms do not always appear right away, which is why medical evaluation is essential after any significant blow to the head.
Main Types of Skull Fracture Injuries
Doctors classify skull fractures based on how the bone breaks and whether surrounding tissues are affected.
Linear Skull Fractures
Linear fractures involve a thin break in the bone without movement or collapse. They are the most common type and often result from blunt impacts, such as falls or vehicle collisions.
Many linear fractures heal without surgery, but patients are typically monitored for delayed complications like internal bleeding or brain swelling.
Depressed Skull Fractures
A depressed skull fracture occurs when part of the skull is pushed inward. This inward pressure can injure brain tissue and increase the risk of bleeding or infection.
These fractures often require surgery to lift and secure the bone. They are commonly associated with high-force trauma, including assaults and industrial accidents.
Basilar Skull Fractures
Basilar skull fractures affect the bones at the bottom of the skull. Because this area contains important nerves and blood vessels, these injuries are particularly serious.
Warning signs may include bruising around the eyes or behind the ears, fluid draining from the nose or ears, balance problems, or changes in hearing and vision. Hospitalization and close neurological monitoring are usually required.
Diastatic Skull Fractures
Diastatic fractures occur along the natural seams of the skull, called sutures. These injuries are most often seen in infants and young children, whose skull bones have not fully fused.
Treatment depends on whether the fracture is stable and whether there is associated brain injury.
Open (Compound) Skull Fractures
An open skull fracture involves a break in the skin that exposes the bone. These injuries carry a high risk of infection and are typically treated as medical emergencies.
Surgery, antibiotics, and intensive monitoring are often needed to prevent life-threatening complications.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Skull Fracture Injuries
Doctors use imaging and neurological testing to evaluate head injuries. Common diagnostic tools include CT scans to detect fractures and bleeding, MRI scans to assess brain tissue, and neurological exams to measure cognitive and motor function.
Even when initial scans appear stable, patients may be monitored for hours or days, as symptoms can worsen over time. Treatment depends on the type of fracture and the extent of brain involvement.
Non-Surgical Care
Stable fractures without brain injury may be treated with observation, pain control, activity restrictions, and follow-up imaging. Doctors closely monitor for changes that may require further intervention.
Surgical Care
Surgery may be necessary to repair displaced bones, control bleeding, relieve pressure on the brain, or prevent infection. Recovery can involve extended hospital stays and rehabilitation.
Long-Term Outlook After a Skull Fracture
Skull fractures can have a profound impact on daily life. Patients may struggle with fatigue, headaches, memory problems, sensitivity to light or noise, or mood changes. Some people recover fully, especially when injuries are mild and receive prompt treatment. Others experience long-term effects such as seizures, chronic pain, cognitive impairment, or personality changes.
When skull fractures result from preventable accidents, the long-term cost of ongoing medical treatment, therapy, and lost income can affect a person’s quality of life for years. Some individuals may need temporary or permanent workplace accommodations, cognitive therapy, or assistance at home.
Understanding these practical challenges early can help families plan for recovery, caregiving needs, and financial stability.
Reach Out to a San Diego Personal Injury Lawyer From Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Skull Fracture Injury
If you or a loved one suffered a skull fracture in an accident in San Diego, Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can help. Contact our San Diego personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation about your case today. You could be entitled to compensation.
If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.
We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
2515 Camino del Rio S Suite 350, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 777-5555
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032
We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
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201 E Main Suite 106, El Paso, Texas 79901
(915) 591-1000
