What are signs of a fractured skull?

Bruising: If the front of the skull isfractured there may be bruises around the eyes. If the back of the skull is fractured, there may be a bruise behind the ear. Clear (tap water like) fluid coming out the nose or ear can be a sign of a fracture of the base of the skull.

Depends: There are different types of skull fractures. Open versus closed - is the scalp cut and the bone exposed? The skull can have a linear crack, or in pieces, or depressed, or sunken down. Signs are swelling of the scalp, bruising under scalp, bruising behind ear or around eyes.

Skull fracture: This usually occurs post trauma and is diagnosed by a cat scan of the head. It is not a surgical problem if the fracture is minor and there is no overlying skin laceration. Consult a neurologist or neurosurgeon to review the films.