Final answer:
Characteristics of a basilar skull fracture include specific signs like Battle's sign, raccoon eyes, and potential cerebrospinal fluid leaks. Such fractures can threaten life due to the risk of arterial damage, bleeding in the skull, and subsequent brain injury, along with a heightened risk of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a basilar skull fracture, certain characteristic signs are looked for, including tenderness, bruising behind the ears, bruising around the eyes, clear fluid draining from the nose or ears, and changes in hearing or balance. A direct answer to the question is that characteristics of a basilar skull fracture can include Battle's sign, raccoon eyes, cerebrospinal fluid otorrhea, and rhinorrhea, and possible damage to cranial nerves and vessels.
A basilar skull fracture is life-threatening due to potential damage to important blood vessels, particularly the ones passing through the carotid canal, and nerves located at the base of the skull. This can result in bleeding within the skull and subsequent brain injury. Furthermore, fractures at this location can be associated with cerebrospinal fluid leaks, which increase the risk of infection and could lead to conditions such as meningitis.