STUDIES IN TRAUMATIC FRACTURES OF THE CRANIAL BONES

Abstract

I. EDEMA OF THE BRAIN The basis for the well recognized variability of the clinical manifestations accompanying fracture of the cranial bones is readily understood when the many possible alterations in the head, resulting from this form of injury are considered. There is no single anatomic change in any instance responsible for the character and severity of the symptoms. The fracture is often simple, but is produced by a force which may tear blood vessels, compress the brain, injure the content of cranial foramina or open a path for infection from the outside. The bruises of the brain that are so commonly present may be absent, and still death may follow. Similarly, extradural, intra-arachnoid (subdural) and subarachnoid hemorrhages are inconstant. Death occurring shortly after injury is probably due in some instances to shock. Edema has long been recognized as one of the changes which may, in the brain, follow trauma