Temporal Bone Fractures / Trauma

Severe blunt trauma to the head can cause temporal bone fractures and sometimes involve structures of the ear, causing hearing loss, vertigo, balance disturbance, or facial paralysis. Fractures of the temporal bone are classified based on the relationship of the fracture line to the long axis of the temporal bone. Longitudinal fractures are the most common accounting for 80% of the temporal bone fractures. Temporal bone fractures may result in facial nerve paralysis. Approximately 20% of longitudinal fractures and 50% of transverse fractures result in a facial palsy.