"Fractures may either occur at the site of direct impact or remotely due to forces passing through the skull 1,2. As a general rule most base of skull fractures result from impact to the skull around its base (e.g. occiput, temporal region, frontal region – the so-called "hat band" distribution). Less commonly, base of skull fractures are extensions of fractures that have occurred due to impact at the vertex 3."
"The majority of basilar fractures occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, with sports injuries, falls and assault being other frequently encountered antecedents 2. Clearly, the relative incidence and demographics affected will vary widely depending on regional differences and mechanism."
"As is the case elsewhere, fractures may be linear, comminuted, depressed or compound."