Skull fracture

[emily8964]

I recently had a domestic accident and had bone fracture on the back of the skull which extends downwards to the skull base. No haemorrhage was found. I wonder how long it will take to heal (or will it heal at all) and if I am fit for 1. diving and 2. travelling by air. Can any neurosurgeons or medical practitioners give me peace of mind here? Thanks.
EmilyL

 

[mattia_v]

Only your own doctor can give you the details you need, because they depend on the nature of your fracture.

Fractures heal, but how fast (weeks, months) depends on the type, location and severity of the fracture, among other things.

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Call DAN........it's what they do.

Scuba Diving Medical Services — Decompression Illness — DAN | Divers Alert Network

Good luck,
Jay

 

[RyanT]

Barring any complications, the skull fracture should easily heal in 6-8 weeks. My bigger concern would be what kind of trauma your brain encountered. You said no hemorrhaging so that's good. But I think you want to ask your physician about lingering effects of a concussion or other aspects of brain trauma. Definitely seek real medical advice and start with DAN.

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi Emily,

Based on the thus far sketchy report of your injury and present medical status, it's hard to offer any definitive opinions. However, if it was an uncomplicated closed linear fracture there seems to be no reason to expect that it shouldn't be well healed in 4-6 weeks, 6-8 weeks max.

As for diving, one should be able to resume once the doctor releases the patient for full physical activity. As has been mentioned, it is quite important that there are no remaining neurological or neurocognitive sequelae of any significance. If your physician has any uncertainties about return to scuba, s/he can contact DAN.

As for both flying and scuba, there is no reason to expect that such a fracture will be responsive to changes in ambient pressure.

Regards,

DocVikingo

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual and should not be construed as such.