Final answer:
Basilar skull fractures are fractures at the base of the skull and can be life threatening due to potential damage to the artery that passes through the carotid canal. Symptoms may include vision problems, speech difficulties, and muscle weakness. Prompt treatment is necessary to prevent complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
A basilar skull fracture is a fracture that occurs at the base of the skull. It is usually the result of a strong blow to the head, which can cause the bones of the skull to fracture. This type of fracture can be life threatening because it can damage the artery that passes through the carotid canal, leading to bleeding inside the skull and potentially injuring the brain. The signs and symptoms of a basilar skull fracture can include double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing and breathing, dry mouth, muscle weakness and paralysis. If untreated, a basilar skull fracture can lead to increasing pressure on the brain and even death within a few hours.