Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery
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J Craniomaxillofac Surg · Oct 2008
Comparative StudyTraumatic intracranial haemorrhage in conscious patients with facial fractures--a review of 1959 cases.
Facial fracture patients who are conscious with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 15 in the absence of clinical neurological abnormalities are commonly not expected to have suffered severe intracranial pathology. However, high velocity impact may result in intracranial haemorrhage in different compartments. ⋯ Intracranial haemorrhage cannot be excluded in patients with facial fractures despite a GCS score of 15 and normal findings following neurological examination. Predictors, such as vomiting/nausea or seizures, skull fractures and closed head injuries, enhance the likelihood of an intracranial haemorrhage and have to be considered.