temporal bone trauma

Last reviewed 01/2018

Temporal bone trauma is a sinister sign as it occurs only in very violent injuries.

In the middle ear it may result in:

  • perforation of the tympanic membrane
  • disarticulation of the ossicles

Temporal bone fracture may result in:

  • longitudinal fracture:
    • conductive hearing loss
    • CSF otorrhoea
  • horizontal fracture:
    • dead ear - sensorineural hearing loss
    • facial nerve palsy in 50%