Otological complications following basal skull fractures

A retrospective review is presented of 50 patients, with a basal skull fracture, who had radiological or clinical evidence of temporal bone involvement. The study looks at the incidence of significant otological symptoms reported during the admission and we review the subsequent patient management. We propose that all patients presenting with a head injury, and one or more of a number of symptoms characteristic of a temporal bone fracture, should automatically have an otological assessment. This will facilitate the early detection and subsequent follow up of potentially correctable middle ear disorders. We review the literature to highlight the high incidence of complications associated with these fractures.