how is a skull fracture treated?

 Skull fracture treatment depends on the severity of the injury. For most skull fractures, treatment consists of close observation in the hospital and medication to relieve pain during the healing process[1]. However, some skull fractures require surgery[1][2]. The goal of skull fracture treatment is to control pain, promote healing, and prevent complications[2]. Specific treatment for a fracture will be determined by the neurosurgeon, taking into account several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, and medical history, severity of the fracture, and type of fracture[1]. 

For most skull fractures, which are linear fractures, surgical intervention is not needed. Instead, physicians prescribe medication to control pain and maintain close observation in the hospital[2]. Surgery may be needed to repair compound fractures, comminuted fractures, and some types of closed fractures, and also to stitch up any tears in the dura mater and scalp[2]. Infants and children with open depressed fractures require surgical intervention[2]. Most surgeons prefer to elevate depressed skull fractures if the depressed segment is more than 5 mm below the inner table of adjacent bone[2]. 

If the child has an open wound on their head, it will need to be cleaned to avoid infection. Medicine can be given to treat[4]. A cut from the injury may be treated with antibiotic ointment and a bandage. A large cut may be closed with staples or stitches. If the cut is deep, your child may need to be sedated or have general anesthesia[3]. 

It can take months for a skull fracture to heal, but the younger the child is, the faster it will heal[4]. Recovery varies from patient to patient, but they generally heal in about 6-8 weeks[6].

Citations:

[1] https://www.neurosurgery.columbia.edu/patient-care/conditions/skull-fractures

[2] https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/248108-treatment

[3] https://www.saintlukeskc.org/health-library/treatment-skull-fracture-child

[4] https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/skull-fracture/

[5] https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/head-injuries/skull-fracture

[6] https://www.drdavidchangmd.com/blog/symptoms-and-treatment-options-for-skull-fractures