Differential Diagnosis for Nasal Ridge Trauma and Bleeding

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Nasal fracture: This is the most common diagnosis given the symptoms of nasal ridge trauma and bleeding, as fractures can cause direct damage to the nasal passages and blood vessels, leading to bleeding.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Septal hematoma: This condition, where blood collects in the nasal septum, can occur after nasal trauma and is characterized by nasal obstruction, pain, and bleeding.
  • Epistaxis (nosebleed): Direct trauma to the nose can cause bleeding from the blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, making epistaxis a likely diagnosis.
  • Soft tissue injury: The nasal ridge is surrounded by soft tissue that can be injured during trauma, leading to swelling, bruising, and bleeding.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak: Although less common, nasal ridge trauma can lead to a fracture of the cribriform plate, resulting in a potentially life-threatening CSF leak.
  • Basilar skull fracture: This serious condition can occur with significant trauma to the head or face and requires immediate medical attention to prevent complications.
  • Vascular injury: Damage to the major blood vessels in the face or neck can lead to severe bleeding or other complications, making it crucial not to miss this diagnosis.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Nasal septal perforation: While possible, this condition is less common and usually occurs with more severe trauma or as a complication of other conditions like septal hematoma.
  • Le Fort fractures: These are facial fractures that can involve the nasal ridge but are typically associated with more extensive facial trauma.
  • Rhinoscleroma: A rare, chronic granulomatous infection of the nasal mucosa that can cause bleeding and nasal deformity, but is unlikely to be directly related to acute trauma.