[Temporal bone fracture after head trauma causing rhinoliquorrhea and meningitis]

HNO. 1999 Nov;47(11):990-3. doi: 10.1007/s001060050481.
[Article in German]

Abstract

We report our experience in managing a temporal bone fracture after head trauma that had no apparent clinical signs. Recurrent CSF rhinorrhea and meningitis lead to extensive diagnostic procedures. Operative exploration of the temporal bone demonstrated a fracture line along the horizontal part of the carotid artery. The location of the fracture did not cause such typical symptoms as hearing impairment, facial paralysis, vertigo or tinnitus. Only CSF liquorrhea through the Eustachian tube indicated a fracture at the lateral skull base.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / diagnosis
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / etiology*
  • Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea / surgery
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / etiology*
  • Meningitis, Pneumococcal / surgery
  • Recurrence
  • Reoperation
  • Skull Base / injuries
  • Skull Base / surgery
  • Skull Fractures / complications*
  • Skull Fractures / diagnosis
  • Skull Fractures / surgery