Facial injury

Description

Facial trauma or face injury can be penetrating (gunshot wound or stabbing) or blunt (fall or car accident). The injury can lead to fractures, nerve injury, eye injury, nasal injury or lacerations with bleeding. Fractures of the jaw result in reduced jaw mobility and orbit fractures can result in impairment of vision.

Symptoms

Swelling, pain, impairment of vision, reduced jaw mobility, bleeding, bruises and malocclusion of teeth.

Overview

History of disease is being taken and physical examination is being done. X-rays and CT scan of the face define the fractures. CT scan is more sensitive in identifying some injuries, especially fractures-broken bones.

Tests

CT scan and X-rays

Specialists

Otolaryngology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Therapy

Treatment depends on the cause, but can include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (brufen/ibuprofen), painkillers (paracetamol) and/or surgery. Cuts are sometimes surgically treated. An injection of tetanus can be necessary if from the last one has passed five years.