Complications
With regard to the possible complications, wound healing disorders caused by infections or repeated irritations should be mentioned above all.In rare cases, injury to vessels can also lead to secondary bleeding, which must then be stopped in a second treatment/operation. If, in the course of the skull base fracture, there was a co-participation of cranial nerves and associated neurological deficits, it is likely that recovery of the nerves will take a very long time. However, permanent nerve damage may also occur if decompression of the nerves took too long or the damage to the nerve itself is simply too great.
The brain itself can of course also be affected and irreparable brain damage can occur. These can range from mild symptoms such as concentration and memory problems or personality changes to very severe damage. The most serious complication is certainly the so-called apallic syndrome (waking coma), in which the entire function of the cerebrum is lost, whereas the function of the cerebellum, diencephalon, brain stem and spinal cord remains intact.
The patients appear to be awake to the observer, but can no longer interact with their environment. Therefore, in the case of existing neurological deficits or persistent symptoms after skull base fracture, rehabilitation should be sought early on. This improves the patients’ outcome considerably. In cases of severe brain damage, admission to special clinics is also possible, where intensive care and support is provided in an attempt to restore the patient’s ability to cope with everyday life.
