What is a potential consequence of untreated skull fractures?

Untreated skull fractures can lead to severe complications, and one of the most serious is the risk of brain infection or bleeding. When a fracture occurs, it can disrupt the protective barriers of the skull and lead to exposure of brain tissues to external contaminants. This exposure increases the risk of infections such as meningitis, which affects the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Moreover, skull fractures can also result in bleeding, either from blood vessels that are torn during the injury or from the brain itself if the fracture has caused damage to brain tissue. Bleeding can lead to pressure buildup in the cranial cavity, which can cause further damage to the brain. The presence of blood can complicate the injury and lead to additional neurological deficits.

In contrast, while immediate loss of consciousness may occur with severe head injuries, it is not a guaranteed outcome of all skull fractures. Increased heart rate can occur in response to pain or stress but is not a direct consequence of untreated skull fractures. Similarly, a reduction in cranial pressure is not a consequence of untreated fractures; in fact, cranial pressure can increase due to complications from the fracture. Therefore, the risk of brain infection or bleeding is a critical concern that underscores the need for prompt medical attention following a skull