Final answer:
A depressed skull fracture can lead to various symptoms, such as a visible indentation of the skull, severe headache, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, and potential hematoma, which requires immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
A depressed skull fracture is a type of head injury where part of the skull bone is sunken in from the trauma. Such injuries are concerning because they can lead to damage to the underlying brain tissue. Symptoms of a depressed skull fracture can vary depending on the severity and location of the injury. Common signs might include:
- Visible deformation or indentation of the skull
- Severe headache
- Confusion or disorientation
- Loss of consciousness
- Bleeding or clear fluid leakage from the nose or ears
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness in limbs on one side of the body (hemiparesis)
- Changes in pupil size or reactivity
Furthermore, a hematoma may develop due to damage to blood vessels which can lead to increased intracranial pressure. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent long-term brain damage or death. The symptoms of a hematoma may not be immediate but can progress over hours to a few days after the injury.