Patient education: Skull fracture – ED discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").

What should I know? — 

You came to the ED for an injury that caused a skull fracture. (A broken bone is also called a "fracture.") There are different kinds of fractures, depending on how the skull breaks. Some are more serious than others.

You probably have pain, swelling, or bruising over the area. How long it will take to heal depends on the type of fracture.

The doctor probably told you to have someone watch you at home for 24 hours to make sure your symptoms don't get worse. Make sure they know when to get help if needed.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. You might also have been referred to a specialist called a "neurosurgeon." Make a follow-up appointment as instructed.

●If you take a "blood thinner" or "anti-platelet" medicine, make sure you know whether to keep taking it or temporarily stop it.

●Take all your medicines as instructed:

•If the doctor says it's OK, take non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol), ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve).

•If you got a prescription for stronger pain medicines to take for a short time, follow the instructions carefully.

•You might have also gotten a prescription for an antibiotic or medicine to prevent seizures. Take these exactly as instructed. Finish all the medicine, even if you start to feel better.

●Prop your head on pillows if possible, keeping it above the level of your heart. This might help lessen pain and swelling.

●Ice can help with pain and swelling. Put a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel over the area. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Use for the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury.

●Quit smoking, if you smoke. Your doctor or nurse can help. Broken bones take longer to heal if you smoke.

●Follow all the doctor's instructions about what activities are safe to do. You might have to limit activity or movement until your skull is healed. Increase your activity slowly.

When should I get emergency help?

●Someone should call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if you:

•Are very sleepy (more than expected) or hard to wake up

•Are acting confused or disoriented

•Have behavior changes like angry outbursts, strange behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others

•Have trouble speaking, have slurred speech, or are not making sense when you talk

•Have blurry eyesight, double vision, or other problems seeing

•Feel dizzy or faint

•Stumble or have trouble walking

•Seem weak or have numbness of your arm, leg, or other body part

•Have a seizure, or have jerking of your arms or legs that you cannot control

●Return to the ED if you have:

•A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or chills

•Trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, or remembering things

•Nausea or vomiting that is not improving

•A stiff neck

•A headache that gets worse, feels different, or does not get better with over-the-counter medicines

•Fluid or blood leaking from your nose or ear

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●You have new or worsening symptoms.

More on this topic

Patient education: Skull fractures (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury observation in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Head injury observation in children (The Basics)