Eye blackening: Reasons, consequences, remedies, and precautions
A black eye, often referred to as periorbital ecchymosis, is a common injury that affects the soft tissues around the eye rather than the eye itself. The causes, symptoms, and treatments of black eyes are important to understand, especially when they are associated with skull fractures.
Causes
Blunt trauma to the head or face is the most common cause of a black eye. This trauma can lead to bleeding and bruising in the soft tissues around the eye, which results in the characteristic discoloration. Specific fractures, such as basilar skull fractures or fractures in the maxillofacial region around the eyes, can also cause black eyes.
Basilar skull fractures can cause symptoms known as "raccoon eyes," which are bilateral periorbital bruising resembling black eyes. This occurs when blood tracks from the fracture site along soft tissues.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a black eye include swelling, changing skin color from red to purple, green, yellow, and eventually black, pain, and temporary vision problems. Other related signs of skull fracture may include Battle's sign, which is bruising behind the ear over the mastoid process, indicating a basilar skull fracture.
Associated brain injury can cause symptoms such as headache, confusion, vomiting, seizures, and unconsciousness if the fracture is severe or associated with intracranial bleeding. The presence of raccoon eyes or Battle’s sign suggests a more serious basilar skull fracture and possible underlying brain injury.
Treatment
Home remedies for treating a black eye include applying a wrapped ice pack or cold compress, using a warm pack after the first 2 days, taking over-the-counter pain relief medication, and avoiding pressing hard against the bruise. However, if a black eye does not heal on its own or if it occurs alongside other symptoms, medical treatments may be necessary.
A doctor will determine the cause of a person's symptoms before advising on a suitable treatment plan. If a skull fracture is suspected, imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans may be ordered.
Prevention
Wearing protective goggles or eyewear during certain activities or sports can help reduce the likelihood of a black eye.
In conclusion, a black eye is a common injury caused by blunt trauma to the head or face. While it usually heals without medical treatment within around 2-3 weeks, associated skull fractures require urgent medical evaluation to assess for brain injury and intracranial bleeding. Always seek medical advice if you suspect a skull fracture or if your black eye is accompanied by other symptoms.
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