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physicians, trauma surgeons, radiologists, neurosurgeons, and otolaryn-
gologists. After the patient is stabilized, the sequelae of the temporal
bone fractures can undergo further evaluation and management. The
otolaryngology evaluation should establish baseline facial nerve
function and assess for the presence of a CSF leak, in addition to
identifying hearing and balance deficits related to the fracture. Once the
patient is stabilized, a thorough head and neck and neurological
examination should be performed, along with a dedicated temporal
bone noncontrast CT and audiogram or bedside hearing assessment.
Confirming a CSF leak and deciding the optimal therapy for facial nerve
dysfunction are the primary challenges faced during the evaluation of
temporal bone fractures.
VIII. References and Suggested Readings
Brodie HA, Thompson TC. Management of complications from 820
temporal bone fractures.
Am J Otol
. 1997;18:188-197.
Cannon CR, Jahrsdoerfer RA. Temporal bone fractures: Review of 90
cases.
Arch Otolaryngol.
1983;109:285-288.
Chang JCY, Cass S. Management of facial nerve injury due to temporal
bone trauma.
Am J Otol.
1999;20:96.
Dahiya R, Keller JD, Litofsky NS, Bankey PE, Bonassar LJ, Megerian CA.
Temporal bone fractures: Otic capsule sparing versus otic capsule
violating clinical and radiographic considerations.
J Trauma.
1999;47:1079-1083.
Johnson F, Semaan MT, Megaerian CA. Temporal bone fracture:
Evaluation and management in the modern era.
Otolaryngology Clinics of
North America.
2008;41(3):597-618.
Little SC, Kesser BW. Radiographic classification of temporal bone
fracture: Clinical predictability using a new system.
Arch Otolaryngol
Head Neck Surg.
2006;132(12):1300-1304.
Nosan DK, Benecke JE, Murr AH. Current perspective on temporal bone
trauma.
Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg.
1997;117(1): 67-71.