H.R. is a 53-year-old male who fell on ice, resulting in traumatic brain injury (TBI) characterized by a subdural hematoma. He returned to work within 2 months, as a computer programmer, working 6–8 h per day. He was referred to…
Introduction A patient's sense of “balance” is a complex, dynamic phenomenon that integrates information from the visual, peripheral vestibular, and somatosensory systems. The vestibular system is comprised of both peripheral sensory organs and central structures within the brainstem, cerebellum, and…
Overview Otic barotrauma (OBT) is traumatic injury of the middle ear and tympanic membrane resulting from a high-pressure differential existing between the middle ear and external environment. In common daily activities (e.g., driving to different elevations, air travel), individuals may…
Introduction Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can occur when a defect of the skull base and dura results in an abnormal communication between the subarachnoid space and nasal or middle ear cavities. , This pathologic entity was first reported by…
Background Temporal bone trauma accounts for 5% of all facial palsy cases , and 3% of all bilateral facial palsy. Only 7% of temporal bone fractures result in facial palsy and 25% of those result in complete facial paralysis. Historically,…
Introduction Head trauma has been cited as the most frequent clinical presentation in the emergency department. According to a 2013 survey by American College of Surgeons, nearly 800 trauma admissions were reported across different healthcare facilities in the United States.…
Introduction The lateral skull base is comprised predominantly of the dense, pyramid-shaped petrous temporal bone. Fractures of the petrous temporal bone comprise approximately 20% of all skull fractures. Given the density of the petrous temporal bone, fractures are caused by…
Since the 20th century, the term “labyrinthine concussion” or “inner ear concussion” has been used to describe sensorineural hearing loss following head trauma in the absence of temporal bone fracture and is generally defined as head trauma resulting in sensorineural…
Introduction Temporal bone fractures (TBFs) present complex diagnostic and management challenges. Due to the large amount of force required to fracture the temporal bone, several other injuries may also be present. The severity and number injuries may result in incomplete…
Introduction Head injury is a major source of disability and mortality worldwide. The CDC reports that in 2017 there were 224,000 head injury-related hospitalizations in the United States. Unintentional falls accounted for nearly 50% of these hospitalizations, motor vehicle crashes…