A starburst pattern on a windshield in a motor vehicle crash indicates what type of injury?

A starburst pattern on a windshield in a motor vehicle crash indicates what type of injury?

• A. Chest trauma
• B. Abdominal injury
• C. Head injury
• D. Lower limb fracture

Answer: (C)

A starburst on the windshield signals a direct head injury from the crash. When the head strikes the glass with significant force, the windshield cracks outward in a radial, star-like pattern around the impact point. This visual cue typically indicates serious trauma to the head, such as a skull fracture or brain injury, and is often accompanied by facial injuries or altered level of consciousness. Because the pattern reflects head-to-glass impact, it’s not a typical sign of chest, abdominal, or lower‑limb injuries, which would show different findings. This cue should prompt immediate neurovascular assessment, airway and breathing checks, and consideration of cervical spine protection.

A starburst on the windshield signals a direct head injury from the crash. When the head strikes the glass with significant force, the windshield cracks outward in a radial, star-like pattern around the impact point. This visual cue typically indicates serious trauma to the head, such as a skull fracture or brain injury, and is often accompanied by facial injuries or altered level of consciousness.

Because the pattern reflects head-to-glass impact, it’s not a typical sign of chest, abdominal, or lower‑limb injuries, which would show different findings. This cue should prompt immediate neurovascular assessment, airway and breathing checks, and consideration of cervical spine protection.