Emergency: requires immediate attention
Basilar skull fracture
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Synopsis
Fractures extending through the base of the skull usually involve the frontal bone, portions of the temporal bone, the occipital bone, the sphenoid bone, and sometimes the cribriform plate of ethmoid bone. Skull fractures commonly occur secondary to head injuries such as from falls, assaults, or motor vehicle accidents. Sequelae may include traumatic brain injuries, intracranial hematomas, periorbital or retroauricular ecchymosis, neuropathies of cranial nerves, carotid-cavernous sinus fistula, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) otorrhea.
Codes
ICD10CM:
S02.109A – Fracture of base of skull, unspecified side, initial encounter for closed fracture
S02.109B – Fracture of base of skull, unspecified side, initial encounter for open fracture
SNOMEDCT:
24063002 – Fracture of base of skull
S02.109A – Fracture of base of skull, unspecified side, initial encounter for closed fracture
S02.109B – Fracture of base of skull, unspecified side, initial encounter for open fracture
SNOMEDCT:
24063002 – Fracture of base of skull
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Last Reviewed:10/29/2018
Last Updated:11/08/2018
Last Updated:11/08/2018
Emergency: requires immediate attention
Basilar skull fracture