Hi
I'm new here, having just suffered a compound depressed skull fracture, in an accident that never should have happened
Basic summary, I went on an organized fossil hunt, with my husband, son , another couple and our guide
The area consisted of a drainage, which we starter to walk up, surrounded on both sides by a schale slope that also contained many rocks.
The guide went up the one slope, with another person following, and then preceeded to walk transverse on it, with us below
Bottom line, a rock got dislodged and hit me in the back of the head, as I was bent over
I thus had an open wound, and, a trip to thew closest emerg showed I had also had a fracture,. I was referred to a center where a CAT scan was done
It showed that I had a depressed fracture, with some fragments
It was decided not to intervene surgically, but just treat me with IV antibiotics and an anti seizure drug for a week.
I never had any neurological symptoms, but of course, my fear of developing a brain abscess, is making it hard to resume my normal life
Thus, I really need some positive feedback from somebody that had a similar skull fracture, and best follow up protecol

My injury was different (most head injuries are) but I'll share my experience and thoughts.

Mine was a temporal skull fracture, combined with an epidural hematoma; I had surgery primarily for the hematoma. I did have cognitive deficits but they have resolved.

When was your injury? I'm not a doctor but I suspect if you haven’t had any neurological problems as of yet, and they decided not to intervene surgically, your chances of not developing any complications are pretty good.

Regarding follow up, rest and good nutrition are important. Also have family members be aware of any behavioral or memory changes they may observe. If you (or they) do notice changes in mood or behavior you may want to see a neurologist or neuropsychologist.

Best to you.

Your synopsis is good.

Now:
- When did this occur?
- Where did this occur?
- How long were you hospitalized?
- How long did you receive antibiotics by IV? Which antibiotics, if you recall?
- Were you under a neurologist's care? Did a Neurosurgeon evaluate your skull fracture?
- Were blood cultures taken in the original visit at hospital?
- Were your Tetanus vaccines updated at hospital?

Did you have loss of consciousness, if so how long? Were you arousable?

What symptoms did you have after being conked on head? Later in hospital? Duration ? Did they clear or still somewhat present?

- Have you continued under a Neurologists or Neurosurgeon's care since the incident?

- Have you received further follow-up tests, such as an MRI, EEG for baseline.

I am sorry to go on.......... many things are possible with an open skull fracture, it is never realized until things take a turn.... worse or better. And my approach is from my past Neurotrauma experience. Again, sorry to alarm, if so.

Some information is available at varied sites, including Mayo, Brainline.org, WebMD, etc. - they all refer to surgical interventions if necessary, dependent on the need and degree of the symptomatology and degree of depression of the fracture, presence of csf (cerebral spinal fluid), etc.

Seizures are one sequela to watch for, and many use AED (anti-epilepsy drugs) prophyactically to guard against that problem in many patients. Are you on medication, besides any antibiotics at this time (I know you said for a week, but don't know if that week is over or not )?

You said it - that covers a large area - including the Occipital Lobar region of the cerebrum and the cerebellum : so the visual processing areas and regulation/coordination of movement/balance/postural regions of the brain - have you noted any problems concerning those possible symptoms.

Hope this is helpful. We are all here to be helpful.

Best wishes................

Awarded,

Sorry to hear of your injury. You said, "I never had any neurological symptoms, but of course, my fear of developing a brain abscess, is making it hard to resume my normal life"

Worry and anxiety are a common symptom of head in juries. With the type of injury you suffered, from a statistical perspective, further problems usually develop rather quickly. You don't say what amount of time has passed other than the week of antibiotics and AEDs. It does sound like you received good care.

Let us know how you are doing. There are plenty of good people here.

My best to you.

Thanks , everyone

My injury occurred less than a week ago (will be a week this coming Thursday

I was first seen at the closest ER to where the accident happened. The doctor there determined that I had not only the laceration, but also a skull fracture. He stapled the laceration Being a lab tech, plus having had double knee replacements, I insisted on antibiotics,and was given a shot IM I was then sent to a hospital with CAT scan abilities. I was also given a tetanus shot. Stupid not to have sent me first off to one of the major teaching hospitals, as the hospital in Red Deer (second place I was sent ) has no neurologist, just a CAT scan
Anyway, I was then taken by Ambulance to Foothills hospital and seen by a neurologist and given a second CAT scan that included cervical vertebra, and put on IV antibiotics. I was on IV antibiotics until Sunday at noon, when I was switched to oral and discharged.
The neurologist decided against surgical intervention .
I am now on Cephalexin for five days, but think I will ask my GP to renew that for another week, when I have the staples taken out on Friday

Did the CT Scan show any inflammation or leaking of the dura mater ? If not, you should have no reason to worry. The fracture must have had minimal displacement or the neuro would have wanted to stabilize the pieces of bone.