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Facial trauma is any injury of the face and upper jaw bone (maxilla).
Alternative NamesMaxillofacial injury; Midface trauma; Facial injury; LeFort injuries
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsBlunt or penetrating trauma can cause injury to the area of the face that includes the upper jaw (maxilla). Common causes of injury to the face include:
- Automobile accidents
- Penetrating injuries
- Violence
- Changes in sensation and feeling over the face
- Deformed or uneven face or facial bones
- Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling and bleeding
- Double vision
- Missing teeth
- Swelling around the eyes that may cause vision problems
The doctor will perform a physical exam, which may show:
- Bleeding from the nose, eyes, or mouth, or nasal blockage
- Breaks in the skin (lacerations)
- Bruising around the eyes or widening of the distance between the eyes, which may mean injury to the bones between the eye sockets
The following may suggest bone fractures:
- Abnormal sensations on the cheek and irregularities that can be felt
- An upper jaw that moves when the head is still
A CT scan of the head may be done.
TreatmentPatients who cannot function normally or who have significant deformity will need surgery.
The goal of treatment is to:
- Control bleeding
- Create a clear airway
- Fix broken bone segments with titanium plates and screws
- Leave the fewest scars possible
- Rule out other injuries
- Treat the fracture
Treatment should be immediate, as long as the person is stable and there are no neck fractures or life-threatening injuries.
Expectations (prognosis)Patients generally do very well with proper treatment. You will probably look different than you did before your injury. You may need to have more surgery 6 - 12 months later.
ComplicationsGeneral complications include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Uneven face (asymmetry)
- Infection
- Brain and nervous system (neurologic) complications
- Numbness or weakness
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a severe injury to your face.
PreventionWear seat belts and use protective head gear when appropriate. Avoid violent confrontations with other people.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoFacial trauma is any injury of the face and upper jaw bone (maxilla).
Alternative NamesMaxillofacial injury; Midface trauma; Facial injury; LeFort injuries
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsBlunt or penetrating trauma can cause injury to the area of the face that includes the upper jaw, lower jaw, cheek, nose, or forehead. Common causes of injury to the face include:
- Automobile accidents
- Penetrating injuries
- Violence
- Changes in sensation and feeling over the face
- Deformed or uneven face or facial bones
- Difficulty breathing through the nose due to swelling and bleeding
- Double vision
- Missing teeth
- Swelling around the eyes that may cause vision problems
The doctor will perform a physical exam, which may show:
- Bleeding from the nose, eyes, or mouth, or nasal blockage
- Breaks in the skin (lacerations)
- Bruising around the eyes or widening of the distance between the eyes, which may mean injury to the bones between the eye sockets
The following may suggest bone fractures:
- Abnormal sensations on the cheek and irregularities that can be felt
- An upper jaw that moves when the head is still
A CT scan of the head may be done.
TreatmentPatients who cannot function normally or who have significant deformity will need surgery.
The goal of treatment is to:
- Control bleeding
- Create a clear airway
- Fix broken bone segments with titanium plates and screws
- Leave the fewest scars possible
- Rule out other injuries
- Treat the fracture
Treatment should be immediate, as long as the person is stable and there are no neck fractures or life-threatening injuries.
Expectations (prognosis)Patients generally do very well with proper treatment. You will probably look different than you did before your injury. You may need to have more surgery 6 - 12 months later.
ComplicationsGeneral complications include, but are not limited to:
- Bleeding
- Uneven face
- Infection
- Brain and nervous system problems
- Numbness or weakness
- Loss of vision or double vision
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have a severe injury to your face.
PreventionWear seat belts and use protective head gear when appropriate. Avoid violent confrontations with other people.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/03/2011
Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolargyngologist, private practice, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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What has the author William B Irby written?
William B. Irby has written: 'Facial trauma and concomitant problems' -- subject(s): Face, Facial Injuries, Mouth, Surgery, Surgery, oral, Wounds and injuries 'Facial trauma and concomitant problems: evaluation and treatment' -- subject(s): Face, Facial Injuries, Oral Surgery, Surgery, Teeth, Wounds and injuries
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What traumatic injuries may take quite a while to heal?
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Septoplasty is performed to correct a crooked (deviated) or dislocated septum. Septoplasty may also be done as a follow-up procedure following facial trauma, as the nose is frequently broken or dislocated by blows to the face
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Homeopaths make a tincture of onion to treat a variety of conditions including cold, cough, diarrhea , facial paralysis, hay fever , hernia, laryngitis, pneumonia , and trauma.
Why do some people bleed from the nose and mouth when they die?
Well it depends on the cause of death. If someone is bleeding from their respiratory tract when they die or if they have head, brain, or facial trauma then you may see blood from the ears, mouth and nose.
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Facial and tongue swelling can be caused by allergic reactions, infection, inflammation, or trauma. Allergic reactions to food, medications, or insect bites can lead to swelling, as well as infections like cellulitis or abscesses. Inflammation from conditions like angioedema or injuries to the face can also result in facial and tongue swelling.
