An unhelmeted patient who was thrown from a motorcycle has a large scalp avulsion with obvious depression to the top of his head. These findings suggest which of the following injuries?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The large scalp avulsion and depression to the top of the head suggest an open head injury, where the skull has been penetrated, leaving the brain exposed. This is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. The absence of a helmet in this case increases the risk and severity of the injury. Intracranial hematoma, linear skull fracture, and basilar skull fracture could also be present but are not as strongly suggested by the presentation.

An Unhelmeted Patient Who Was Thrown from a Motorcycle Has