Rebecca Shedd – Author

The Writer’s Guide to Concussions and Head Injuries

Posted on March 14, 2025     Leave a Comment

Concussions and head injuries are common in action-packed stories, from intense battles in fantasy worlds to space missions gone wrong in science fiction. But writing these injuries convincingly requires more than just a dramatic fall or blow to the head. Understanding causes, symptoms, recovery timelines, and potential long-term effects will add depth and realism to your story.

This article covers what writers need to know about concussions and head injuries, including how they happen, how they manifest, and how they shape characters in the short and long term.

Causes

A sudden impact or violent motion jars the brain inside the skull, causing a concussion. They can happen in various ways, depending on the setting of your story:

Accidents such as car crashes, falls, or industrial accidents. Combat injuries such as punches, weapon strikes, explosions, or blunt force trauma. Sports and competitions such as athletic injuries, including high-contact sports or gladiatorial combat. Fantasy and sci-fi scenarios such as magic blasts, force fields, psychic feedback, or malfunctioning neural implants.

Example: She slammed into the ship’s bulkhead as the artificial gravity failed. Her helmet cushioned the blow, but her vision swam as alarms blared in her ears.

Symptoms of Head Injuries

Head injuries range from mild to severe. After sustaining one, characters may experience a mix of physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms.

Immediate Symptoms (Minutes to Hours After Impact)

Physical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or sound. Cognitive effects such as confusion, memory loss (especially about the injury), disorientation, trouble focusing. Emotional reactions such as irritability, frustration, or emotional outbursts.

Example: “Where am I?” he groaned, blinking against the harsh fluorescent light. His head throbbed, and he couldn’t remember how he’d ended up in the hospital.

Delayed Symptoms (Hours to Days After Impact)

Persistent headaches, often described as throbbing or dull. Trouble sleeping or feeling exhausted despite rest. Mood swings and irritability, including unpredictable emotional responses. Memory and concentration problems, including difficulty focusing or recalling details.

Example: She woke with a splitting headache and blurred vision. The last thing she remembered was the knight’s gauntleted fist crashing into her temple. Her memories of the fight were a scattered haze.

Severe Symptoms (Red Flags Requiring Emergency Care)

Seizures, loss of consciousness (for more than a minute), slurred speech, severe disorientation or confusion, and bleeding or fluid leakage from the ears or nose.

Example: His words slurred as he fumbled with his comms device. Blood dripped from his nose, unnoticed. “Gravity malfunction—requesting… backup…” The screen went dark as he collapsed.

Severity Levels of a Concussion

Understanding the different severities of concussions can help adjust the injury’s impact on your character and the plot.

Mild Concussion (Grade 1)

Symptoms: Short-term confusion, headache, dizziness.

Recovery Time: 1–2 weeks with rest.

Story Use: Great for temporary incapacitation in action scenes without permanent consequences.

Moderate Concussion (Grade 2)

Symptoms: Memory loss, prolonged headaches, confusion, light sensitivity.

Recovery Time: 2–4 weeks or longer.

Story Use: Increases the stakes by limiting the character’s abilities and creating an ongoing obstacle.

Severe Concussion (Grade 3)

Symptoms: Prolonged unconsciousness, memory loss, cognitive issues, brain bleeding.

Recovery Time: Months to years (or permanent damage).

Story Use: Ideal for high-stakes narratives questioning survival, identity, or mental stability.

Example: The warrior had fought countless battles, but after that final, crushing blow to his skull, he couldn’t remember his home—or his name.

Recovery from Head Injuries

Recovery from a concussion is rarely instantaneous. It often involves periods of rest, restricted activity, and sometimes rehabilitation.

Key Elements of Recovery

Immediate Rest:  Doctors may confine the character to bed or order them to avoid physical activity.

Limited Stimulation: No bright lights, screens, or loud noises.

Supervised Recovery: Medical check-ins, magical healers, or futuristic med-bots might monitor progress.

Setbacks and Relapses: Pushing too hard can worsen the injury, delaying recovery, or causing permanent damage.

Example: “Stay still,” the healer warned, pressing glowing fingers to his temple. “Your mind is fractured as much as your skull. Even magic cannot mend a spirit that refuses to rest.”

Long-Term Effects of Head Injuries

Long-term consequences can add complexity to your character’s arc, creating an evolving struggle that goes beyond the immediate injury.

Chronic Headaches: Persistent pain triggered by stress or overexertion.

Memory Issues: Lost memories or ongoing difficulty with recall.

Mood Disorders: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, or unpredictable emotional reactions.

Physical Impairments: Balance problems, reduced motor skills, or permanent damage.

Example: Years after the accident, her hands still trembled when she adjusted the ship’s delicate navigation controls. The med-docs said the neural damage was minimal, but she knew better.

Treating Concussions and Head Injuries Across Time

The treatment of concussions and head injuries heavily depends on the knowledge, technology, and beliefs of the era. From herbal remedies and ritual healing in the ancient world to cutting-edge brain scans in modern medicine, treatments for head injuries have developed dramatically. The treatment of concussions and head injuries reveals much about your world. Treatment methods reflect cultural beliefs, scientific progress, and even ethical dilemmas. By exploring treatment options, you can add depth and authenticity to your stories while crafting compelling recovery arcs for your characters.

In this section, I’ll explore typical treatments from the ancient world, medieval world, and modern contemporary medicine, followed by speculative future advancements in treating head trauma.

Ancient World Treatments

Ancient peoples had limited understanding of head injuries, and their treatment methods were often rudimentary or mystical. However, some ancient practices were surprisingly effective given the lack of scientific knowledge.

Diagnosis and Beliefs

People often linked head injuries to spiritual or supernatural causes. Many cultures believed head trauma could cause “possession” or disrupt a person’s connection to the divine. Healers used observation to assess injuries, noting signs like loss of consciousness or strange behavior after head trauma.

Common Treatments

Trepanation (Skull Drilling): One of the earliest surgical procedures in history, trepanation involved drilling a hole in the skull to relieve pressure from swelling or “release evil spirits.” Surprisingly, some patients survived and even lived long afterward.

Herbal Remedies: Willow bark was used to reduce pain and inflammation (a natural source of salicylic acid). Lavender and chamomile were used to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.

Bed Rest and Observation: Although no formal bed rest concept existed, injuries often compelled individuals to rest.

In Fiction

A shaman might perform trepanation with enchanted tools to “free the mind” in a fantasy world. Ancient herbalists could craft potions from rare plants to dull pain or prevent seizures.

Example: “The village elder pressed a poultice of crushed herbs to the warrior’s temple, muttering ancient prayers. ‘If the spirits wish for his mind to mend,’ she warned, ‘they will answer by dawn.’”

Medieval World Treatments

In the medieval period, superstition deeply influenced medical care, though some practical treatments emerged through trial and error. Medical knowledge expanded slightly thanks to works by physicians like Hippocrates and Avicenna.

Diagnosis and Beliefs

People believed head injuries to be divine punishments or results of imbalances in the body’s humors (blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile). Healers would look for signs of concussion such as confusion, vomiting, and difficulty speaking.

Common Treatments

Herbal Poultices and Compresses: Herbal remedies like comfrey (“knitbone”) were used to heal injuries. Cooling compresses of mint or vinegar were applied to the head to reduce swelling.

Bloodletting and Leeches: Physicians might perform bloodletting to “rebalance” the body, although these likely worsened outcomes.

Trepanning (Still in Use): Trepanation continued, though it was rarely successful without sterile conditions.

Prayers and Healing Rituals: Religious ceremonies and relic-based healing were common in monastic hospitals.

In Fiction

A medieval healer might have prepared an herbal tonic for reducing swelling or attempt bloodletting, making the situation more precarious. Magic-based settings could mix traditional healing with divine intervention or mystical herbal elixirs.

Example: “The monk laid cool, damp linen over the baron’s brow, muttering verses from the holy texts. If the poultice of sage and vinegar did not work, all that remained was prayer.”

Contemporary Medicine

Modern medicine has transformed the treatment of concussions and head injuries. Thanks to scientific advancements, doctors now have a deeper understanding of brain trauma, enabling life-saving care.

Diagnosis Tools

Neurological Exams: Doctors check reflexes, balance, and memory recall to assess the severity of a concussion.

Imaging Scans: CT Scans and MRIs detect bleeding, swelling, or skull fractures.

Cognitive Testing: Memory and problem-solving assessments gauge lingering cognitive effects.

Typical Treatments

Immediate Care: Rest, limited activity, and monitoring for worsening symptoms.

Pain Management: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen for headaches (if there’s no risk of bleeding).

Cognitive Rest: Avoiding bright lights, screens, and strenuous mental tasks.

Physical and Speech Therapy: After severe injuries, rehabilitation may be necessary.

Surgery: Skull fractures or brain swelling may require surgical intervention, such as removing blood clots or repairing broken bones.

In Fiction

In a modern setting, characters may endure extended hospital stays or face insurance hurdles. Paramedics on the scene could provide first aid, while doctors handle life-saving surgeries in high-stakes situations.

Example: “The doctor adjusted the glowing MRI scan, frowning at the shadow near his patient’s frontal lobe. ‘We need to operate—there’s bleeding in the brain. Prep the OR, now!’”

Future Treatments

Speculative fiction offers endless possibilities for advanced concussion treatments. Technological marvels, medical breakthroughs, or even mystical methods could treat brain injuries in futuristic settings.

Possible Future Treatments

Stem Cells and Genetic Engineering: Regrowing damaged brain tissue using targeted genetic manipulation.

Nanobot Surgery: Tiny robots could perform microscopic repairs inside the brain, reducing recovery time to minutes or hours.

Memory Backups: Characters could have their memories uploaded to the cloud, restoring lost data after head trauma.

Psychic or AI-Driven Healing: Direct communication with the patient’s subconscious mind could speed up cognitive recovery.

Cybernetic Brain Guards: Advanced implants could prevent concussions or reduce the impact of injuries by reinforcing the skull.

Instant Healing Pods: Futuristic med-beds reset characters’ bones, reduce swelling, and correct brain injuries within minutes.

In Fiction

Use cutting-edge technology to create unique injury-recovery dynamics while exploring the ethical consequences of extreme treatments.

Example: “The AI-guided surgical bot deployed a swarm of nanobots into her skull. As they rebuilt damaged neural pathways, she wondered how much of her mind would still be hers when the procedure was complete.”

Plot and Character Ideas

Writers can use concussions and head injuries as more than just physical setbacks. They can spark thrilling adventures, deepen emotional arcs, and create interesting mysteries in science fiction, fantasy, and cross-genre stories. Here are plot and character ideas centered on head injuries, including unique possibilities for characters with non-human physiologies.

The Forgotten Hero

Plot Idea: A hero suffers a severe concussion during a pivotal battle and wakes up with complete memory loss. Their allies must convince them of who they were, while enemies take advantage of their vulnerability.

Character Angle: The character struggles between rediscovering their past and forging a new identity. Are they bound by who they were—or free to become someone new?

Fantasy Twist: An ancient curse magically sealed the character’s memory in their fractured mind. Finding fragments of their memories becomes a quest across magical realms.

Science Fiction Twist: A neural implant storing the hero’s memories was damaged. Reconstructing those memories through virtual simulations reveals a disturbing secret about their past.

Example: “They called her the Savior of the Last War, but the name meant nothing to her. All she knew was the pain in her head and the faces of strangers expecting her to be their hero once again.”

Memory as Currency

Plot Idea: After suffering a concussion, a character discovers that their memories are being sold or traded on the black market. They must track down the traffickers to recover stolen portions of their mind.

Character Angle: A private investigator with partial amnesia struggles to piece together the case while fighting brain fog and false memories implanted by the criminals.

Sci-Fi Twist: Advanced technology allows memories to be extracted like data. Each time the protagonist recovers a memory, they risk reliving its emotional trauma or losing something even more precious.

Example: “They erased the last 12 hours, and with it, the only clue I had left. To get it back, I’ll have to play their game—and hope my mind survives the next extraction.”

The Echo of Pain

Plot Idea: A magical duel leaves the sorcerer with chronic headaches from residual magical energy trapped in their skull. These magical “echoes” force them to relive the worst moments of their life unless they purge the magic.

Character Angle: The character faces psychological struggles stemming from reliving traumatic memories. They must learn to embrace their pain or risk losing themselves entirely.

Fantasy Twist: The echoes of past battles might be haunting spirits trapped in the caster’s mind, demanding justice—or vengeance.

Example: “Every night, the shattered memories came with the pulsing throb in his skull. He had long since given up trying to sleep; he couldn’t outrun the voices.”

Biological Reset

Plot Idea: An alien species uses concussions as a biological defense mechanism—suffering head trauma resets their nervous system, allowing them to heal faster but erasing recent memories. A character must decide whether to risk using this painful “reset” to escape a deadly situation.

Character Angle: The character struggles between survival and keeping precious memories of loved ones. How much would they give up to stay alive?

Sci-Fi Twist: The “reset” process could come with bizarre side effects, like sensory overload, altered perception of time, or the inability to recognize familiar faces.

Example: “My options were simple: fight and die—or slam my head into the bulkhead, reset the cycle, and hope I’d remember enough to escape this time.”

Cursed by the Blow

Plot Idea: After a cursed weapon strikes a character in the head, they experience fragmented visions of possible futures. The longer they delay confronting the curse, the more disoriented they become—until they can no longer tell reality from prophecy.

Character Angle: The character must navigate shifting realities and decide whether to trust their visions or resist being consumed by the curse’s influence.

Fantasy Twist: The curse might slowly rewrite the character’s memories, forcing them to fight for control of their identity.

Example: “The blade shattered against my skull, but it wasn’t the wound that haunted me—it was the glimpses of futures I had yet to live, each more terrible than the last.”

Broken Connection

Plot Idea: A starship captain suffers a concussion in battle, damaging their neural link to the ship’s AI. As the AI struggles to maintain its own functionality, the captain must rely on outdated manual controls—and a growing emotional connection to the fading AI.

Character Angle: The captain’s injury forces them to reevaluate their reliance on technology, shifting the story toward emotional survival rather than just physical survival.

Sci-Fi Twist: The captain’s memories might be “backed up” into the ship’s AI. As the AI merges with the captain’s mind, they must determine where the human ends and the machine begins.

Example: “My head throbbed as the ship’s interface flickered erratically in my mind. ‘Captain,’ the AI whispered, its voice cracking. ‘I’m not sure how much longer I can hold…’”

Heir to the Blinded Throne

Plot Idea: After a head injury leaves the heir to the throne blinded or cognitively impaired, rivals plot to seize power. The heir must adapt to their new reality, outsmart their enemies, and reclaim their rightful place.

Character Angle: A character learning to lead while confronting their limitations creates a compelling blend of vulnerability and resilience.

Fantasy Twist: The royal family might possess a magical “sight” that is now distorted by the head injury, making the heir’s rule more unstable—but also uniquely powerful.

Example: “They think I’m weak because I can no longer see—but there are things sharper than sight, and I have learned to wield them.”

The Head Injury That Changed the World

Plot Idea: A character with an extraordinary destiny suffers a life-changing concussion that rewires their brain, unlocking new powers—or a dangerous psychic connection to a cosmic force. Now, they must master these abilities or risk unleashing chaos upon the world.

Character Angle: The head injury becomes both a blessing and a curse, forcing the character to accept—or fight—their altered identity.

Fantasy Twist: The injury unlocks long-buried magical potential, but using it slowly erodes the character’s sanity.

Sci-Fi Twist: The injury creates a link to an alien consciousness or an alternate dimension, threatening to consume the character’s reality.

Example: “The fracture in my skull was nothing compared to the fracture in the universe that followed. I don’t know what’s worse—the power I gained, or that it’s still growing.”

Is it Possible to Experience Amnesia from a Blow to the Head?

Yes, it is possible to experience amnesia from a blow to the head, though it is far less common or dramatic than popular fiction often portrays. In real-world medical terms, doctors refer to memory loss from head trauma as post-traumatic amnesia (PTA) or retrograde amnesia (loss of memories before the injury) and anterograde amnesia (inability to form new memories after the injury).

How Head Trauma Can Cause Amnesia

When the brain suffers trauma—such as from a car accident, fall, or sports injury—memory loss can occur because of physical damage to brain areas involved in memory storage and recall, such as the hippocampus and frontal lobes. The extent of amnesia depends on factors like the severity of the injury, the type of trauma, and how the brain swells or bleeds after impact.

Types of Amnesia Linked to Head Trauma

Retrograde Amnesia

Loss of memories from before the injury.

Typically affects recent memories, leaving older memories intact.

Example: Forgetting events from the past week after a car crash.

Anterograde Amnesia

Inability to form new memories after the injury.

Common in severe concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Example: The person remembers their past but cannot retain new information.

Post-Traumatic Amnesia (PTA)

In this temporary state, the person experiences disorientation and cannot recall events after the injury.

It may last minutes, hours, or even days, depending on injury severity.

Real-World Cases of Head Injury Amnesia

Several real-life cases demonstrate head trauma can cause amnesia, though not in the exaggerated ways portrayed in movies or TV. Here are a few notable examples:

Clive Wearing (Severe Amnesia Case)

A British musician and conductor, Clive Wearing, suffered a severe brain infection (encephalitis) that damaged his hippocampus. He developed profound anterograde amnesia, was unable to form new memories, and retrograde amnesia, losing most memories of his past. He lives in a state where he believes he is constantly “waking up” for the first time, with only momentary flashes of awareness.

Michelle Philpots (Memory Reset Condition)

After two serious head injuries from accidents, Michelle Philpots developed anterograde amnesia. Since the early 1990s, she has been unable to form new memories. Every day, she wakes up believing it is still the 1990s and relies on written notes and photos to navigate life.

Benjaman Kyle (Identity Amnesia Case)

In 2004, a man was found unconscious near a fast-food restaurant in the U.S., suffering from severe amnesia. Unable to recall his name, identity, or past, he lived under the assumed name “Benjaman Kyle” until his real identity was discovered in 2015.

Why Amnesia in Fiction Is Often Exaggerated

While real-world cases of amnesia exist, complete and permanent memory loss after a minor head injury is almost entirely a storytelling trope. In reality:

People rarely lose all past memories or develop a blank-slate persona.

Amnesia typically affects memories from specific time periods rather than causing complete identity loss.

Memory loss is temporary many times and often improves with time, rehabilitation, and therapy.

People generally keep skills and language abilities, even if they forget personal experiences.

How to Write Realistic Amnesia

If you’re writing a story involving head-trauma-induced amnesia, consider these tips for making the portrayal more realistic:

Limit Memory Loss to Recent Events: Have the character forget specific events leading up to the injury (retrograde amnesia).

Use Fragmented or Spotty Memories: Show the character recalling pieces of the past rather than wiping out their entire identity.

Include Memory Flashbacks or Triggers: Have sensory experiences or familiar places trigger sudden memory recall.

Consider Long-Term Effects: Use persistent memory problems like difficulty learning new information (anterograde amnesia) or struggling with disorientation.

Incorporate Emotional Impact: Explore how the character feels about losing parts of their past or not recognizing loved ones.

Writing head injuries and concussions realistically requires balancing accuracy with storytelling needs. By showing believable symptoms, lingering consequences, and emotional struggles, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with readers while keeping the stakes high. Whether your character is a modern-day detective, a fantasy warrior, or a space-traveling hero, a well-written head injury can add depth, drama, and realism to your story. Use the character’s struggle with their injury as a way to explore resilience, vulnerability, and personal growth—and keep your readers on the edge of their seats.

---

I hope this was helpful. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions by using the Contact Me form on my website or by writing a comment. I post every Friday and would be grateful if you would share my content.

If you want my blog delivered straight to your inbox every month along with exclusive content and giveaways, please sign up for my email list here.

Let’s get writing!

Copyright © 2025 Rebecca Shedd. All rights reserved.

• Facebook
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest

The Writer’s Guide to Broken Bones

Posted on February 28, 2025     Leave a Comment

Breaking a bone is one of the most common and impactful injuries in fiction. Whether it happens during a dramatic fight scene, a tragic accident, or an adventurous misstep, fractures offer an opportunity to showcase your character’s resilience, vulnerability, and recovery journey. To write these scenes realistically, it’s essential to understand the types of fractures, their symptoms, and the healing process.

Types of Bone Fractures

Not all broken bones are the same. Understanding the type of fracture can help you determine the severity of the injury and how it will affect your character.

Simple (Closed) Fracture

Definition: The bone breaks but does not pierce the skin.

Symptoms: Swelling, bruising, pain, and an inability to move the affected area.

Impact on Story: These fractures are less dramatic but still debilitating. They often require immobilization (e.g., a cast) and weeks to months of healing.

Compound (Open) Fracture

Definition: The bone breaks and pierces through the skin.

Symptoms: Severe pain, bleeding, visible bone, and risk of infection.

Impact on Story: Compound fractures are graphic and life-threatening. They introduce complications like blood loss, shock, and infection, adding tension and urgency to the narrative.

Hairline (Stress) Fracture

Definition: A thin crack in the bone, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse.

Symptoms: Mild pain that worsens with activity, swelling, and tenderness.

Impact on Story: These fractures are less dramatic but can force characters to slow down or rethink their actions.

Greenstick Fracture

Definition: Common in children, this is a partial fracture where the bone bends and cracks but doesn’t break completely.

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and difficulty using the limb.

Impact on Story: This type of fracture might be more suitable for younger characters or those with unique physiology (e.g., in fantasy species).

Comminuted Fracture

Definition: The bone shatters into multiple pieces, often from high-impact trauma.

Symptoms: Severe pain, deformity, swelling, and immobility.

Impact on Story: This type of fracture is severe and may require surgery. It’s ideal for high-stakes moments like battle scenes or catastrophic accidents.

Spiral Fracture

Definition: A twisting motion causes the bone to fracture in a spiral pattern.

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and visible deformity.

Impact on Story: These fractures might occur during combat or athletic activities, adding a layer of realism to dynamic action scenes.

Symptoms of a Broken Bone

When writing a scene where a character breaks a bone, it’s important to convey their immediate symptoms and reactions. These symptoms will vary based on the severity of the fracture.

Pain: Intense and localized, often worsening with movement or pressure.

Swelling and Bruising: The area around the break may become swollen, discolored, and tender.

Deformity: The affected limb or joint might appear misshapen or out of place.

Immobility: Characters may find it difficult or impossible to move the injured part.

Audible Sounds: In some cases, the character (or those around them) might hear a crack or snap when the bone breaks.

Shock: Severe fractures, especially compound ones, can cause symptoms of shock, such as pale skin, rapid breathing, and confusion.

The Healing Process

Breaking a bone is just the beginning. The healing process provides opportunities for character development and introduces physical and emotional challenges.

Stage 1: Inflammation (0–7 Days)

What Happens: The body sends blood to the injury, forming a clot around the broken bone. Swelling, bruising, and pain are at their peak during this stage.

For Your Story: Show the character dealing with acute pain and limited mobility. They may need help with basic tasks, highlighting their vulnerability.

Stage 2: Bone Repair (1–6 Weeks)

What Happens: A soft callus forms around the break, eventually hardening into new bone. Swelling subsides, and the character may regain limited use of the limb.

For Your Story: Depict moments of frustration or minor victories as the character adjusts to their limitations. Perhaps they begin physical therapy or attempt to push themselves too hard, risking reinjury.

Stage 3: Bone Remodeling (6 Weeks–Months)

What Happens: The body reshapes and strengthens the new bone, but full recovery can take months or even years.

For Your Story: Show long-term effects, such as lingering pain, stiffness, or even permanent changes (e.g., a limp or reduced strength). These aftereffects can add depth and realism to your character.

Adding Depth to the Healing Journey

While the healing process can slow the pacing of your story, it’s also an opportunity for character growth. Here are ways to keep the narrative engaging during recovery:

Emotional Struggles

Characters may feel frustration, helplessness, or anger about their injury. For a warrior, the inability to fight could lead to feelings of worthlessness, while an adventurer might worry about letting down their companions.

Example: “He clenched his fists as he stared at the crutches propped against the wall. The fight was still raging outside, and here he was, useless and sidelined. The frustration burned hotter than the pain in his leg.”

Interpersonal Conflict

Recovery often forces characters to rely on others, which can lead to tension or deepen relationships. A fiercely independent character might struggle to accept help, or a caregiver might grow resentful of the extra burden.

Example: “She hated asking for help, but the splint on her arm left her no choice. ‘Can you tie this?’ she muttered, holding out the bandage. The look on his face made it clear he wouldn’t let her forget this.”

Setbacks and Triumphs

Introduce small victories and setbacks to keep the recovery process dynamic. A character might celebrate taking their first step unaided, only to fall and reinjure themselves.

Example: “The first step was agony, but she refused to stop. Her muscles screamed, her vision blurred with tears, but when she finally stood on her own, she couldn’t help but grin.”

Long-Term Consequences

Broken bones can leave lasting effects that shape your character beyond the initial injury. Consider including:

Scarring: A compound fracture might leave visible scars.

Mobility Issues: Severe fractures could cause a limp, reduced strength, or limited range of motion.

Psychological Impact: The memory of the injury might make the character cautious, fearful, or hesitant in future situations.

Chronic Pain: Some fractures, especially if poorly treated, can lead to lifelong pain or discomfort.

Example: “Even months later, his leg ached when the weather turned cold. It was a subtle reminder of the battle he barely survived—a reminder he didn’t need but couldn’t escape.”

Treatments for Broken Bones Across Time

How characters treat broken bones depends on the resources, knowledge, and cultural practices of their time. Advancements in science and technology have driven the evolution of broken bone treatment, from rudimentary splints in ancient history to futuristic bone regrowth technologies. Each era brings unique challenges and opportunities for storytelling, from the desperation of pre-modern remedies to the ethical quandaries of futuristic medicine. This section explores treatments for fractures in the ancient world, medieval world, modern contemporary medicine, and potential future innovations.

Ancient World Treatments

In ancient times, treatments for broken bones relied heavily on observation, intuition, and natural remedies. While often crude by today’s standards, some methods were surprisingly effective.

Splinting and Immobilization: Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans recognized the importance of immobilizing broken bones. They used materials like wood, reeds, or cloth to create splints. The Edwin Smith Papyrus (circa 1600 BCE) from Egypt contains descriptions of fracture treatments, including setting bones and immobilizing them with bandages.

Traction Techniques: Ancient Indian and Chinese medical texts describe basic traction methods to realign bones. These often involved pulling the limb to straighten it before splinting.

Herbal Remedies: Herbs were applied to reduce swelling and pain. People used willow bark, a natural source of salicylic acid (a precursor to aspirin), for pain relief.

Challenges in Treatment: Without understanding of infection, compound fractures were particularly deadly. Infections from open wounds often resulted in amputation or death. Healing relied on rest and natural recovery, which could lead to improperly healed bones and long-term deformities.

In Your Writing: Depict the resourcefulness of ancient healers by emphasizing natural materials and creative problem-solving. Highlight the risks of infection and limited understanding of anatomy to add tension to injury recovery.

Example: “The healer laid out strips of softened bark and bound the boy’s arm tightly to a wooden splint. ‘Don’t move it,’ she warned. ‘The bone will only heal if it stays straight.’”

Medieval Treatments

Though a lack of understanding of germ theory and internal anatomy limited advances, the medieval period saw progress in bone treatment.

Setting Bones: Medieval healers (often monks or barbers) used manual techniques to realign bones. Healers sometimes employed traction to straighten fractures before immobilization. Wooden or leather splints were common. Bandages soaked in natural adhesives like egg whites or flour might secure splints.

Medicinal Poultices: Poultices made from herbs like comfrey (known as “knitbone”) were applied to promote healing. Honey and wine, known for their antibacterial properties, were sometimes used to clean wounds.

Amputation for Severe Cases: Compound fractures often led to infection, requiring amputation to prevent gangrene. Surgeons performed amputations without anesthesia, using basic tools like saws or knives.

Faith-Based Healing: Medicine and religion were often interwoven in the medieval world. Prayers, blessings, and holy relics were part of the healing process.

In Your Writing: Medieval treatments can add gritty realism to your story. Highlight the pain of setting bones without anesthesia or the desperation of using untested remedies. Show the interplay between faith and medicine to deepen the cultural context.

Example: “The blacksmith’s arm was bound tightly with strips of linen, a salve of comfrey and honey slathered over the break. He gritted his teeth as the barber-surgeon tugged the limb straight, muttering a prayer to St. Roch for mercy.”

Contemporary Medicine

Modern medicine provides advanced techniques for treating broken bones, drastically improving outcomes and reducing recovery times.

Diagnosis: X-rays or CT scans are used to confirm the type and severity of the fracture.

Immobilization: Plaster or fiberglass casts are used to immobilize bones and ensure proper alignment during healing. Doctors often use temporary immobilization devices for less severe fractures.

Surgical Intervention: Severe fractures may require surgical repair. Sometimes, metal hardware is used to stabilize the bone. Devices outside the body hold the bone in place for complex fractures.

Pain Management: Doctors prescribe medications such as acetaminophen or prescription opioids to manage pain.

Physical Therapy: Once the bone heals, patients undergo therapy to rebuild strength, mobility, and function.

In Your Writing: Modern treatments can convey the efficiency and precision of contemporary medicine. Highlight the detailed diagnostic process, the relief of effective pain management, or the frustration of physical therapy to add realism.

Example: “The X-ray showed a clean break along the radius. The doctor explained the surgery: a small titanium plate to hold the bone together, followed by six weeks in a cast. Relief flooded through her—at least it wasn’t permanent.”

Future Treatments

In speculative settings like science fiction, the possibilities for treating broken bones expand dramatically. Advances in biotechnology and materials science could revolutionize fracture care.

Bone-Repairing Nanobots: Microscopic robots could enter the bloodstream, repairing fractures at the cellular level by binding bone tissue or even rebuilding it from scratch.

3D-Printed Implants: Surgeons could print custom bone grafts or implants on-demand, designed to fit perfectly into the fracture site and stimulate rapid healing.

Stem Cell Therapy: Doctors might inject stem cells to accelerate bone regeneration and repair.

Synthetic Biologics: Artificial compounds could mimic natural bone growth, reducing healing times to days instead of months.

Exoskeletal Support: Advanced braces or exoskeletons could provide mobility while stabilizing fractures, allowing characters to remain active during recovery.

Instantaneous Healing Devices: In extreme futuristic settings, devices like “bone-knitting lasers” or sprays that harden fractures instantly could eliminate the need for prolonged recovery.

In Your Writing: Futuristic treatments offer exciting possibilities for creative storytelling. Highlight the ethical dilemmas, technological failures, or cultural differences surrounding these innovations. Consider the implications of instant recovery—does it remove the emotional weight of injury, or does it come at a cost?

Example: “The med-bot hovered over his shattered femur, deploying a swarm of nanobots. Within moments, the pain ebbed as the fracture knitted itself together. ‘You’ll be running again in 12 hours,’ the technician said. ‘Just don’t think about the price tag.’”

Plot and Character Ideas

Broken bones can serve as more than just physical injuries; they can act as catalysts for character development, interpersonal conflict, and plot twists. Below are plot and character ideas that center on fractures, including examples for science fiction and fantasy settings with characters of varied physiologies.

The Unhealing Break

Plot Idea: A character suffers a bone fracture that refuses to heal because of a magical curse, alien infection, or technological malfunction. The injury worsens over time, causing pain and limiting their abilities, forcing them to search for a cure while under constant physical duress.

Character Angle: A proud warrior struggles with the shame of being unable to fight while also confronting their mortality.

Fantasy Twist: A cursed weapon inflicted the fracture, and the bones grow jagged or warp over time unless the curse is lifted.

Science Fiction Twist: The character has synthetic bone implants that are malfunctioning, and their body is rejecting the augmentation.

The Bone Collector

Plot Idea: A healer or scientist seeks rare materials to repair or regrow shattered bones. These materials come from dangerous creatures or forbidden locations, setting the stage for an adventurous quest.

Character Angle: A scholar or medic, usually non-combative, must take up arms or rely on a team to gather what’s needed. Their quest reveals a hidden resilience or bravery.

Fantasy Twist: The bone materials come from mythical beasts like dragons or giants, requiring the character to outwit or slay the creatures.

Science Fiction Twist: The materials are rare alien minerals or nanobot technologies found only on a hostile planet or deep in space.

A Fragile Hero

Plot Idea: A hero with a condition that causes fragile bones (e.g., osteogenesis imperfecta or brittle bones syndrome) faces incredible odds. Despite their physical limitations, they use ingenuity, strategy, and determination to overcome challenges.

Character Angle: The character’s struggle with their condition gives their arc emotional weight and depth, showing that heroism isn’t defined by physical strength alone.

Fantasy Twist: A spell or magical artifact keeps their fragile bones intact, but it comes with a cost—such as draining their life force or emotional energy.

Science Fiction Twist: They fight using powered exoskeletons or synthetic enhancements, but the failure of these aids leaves them dangerously exposed.

The Price of Healing

Plot Idea:  After breaking a bone at a pivotal moment, someone offers the character a miraculous but morally questionable healing method. The decision to accept it has profound consequences for themselves and others.

Character Angle: The character must weigh their personal survival against ethical dilemmas, such as exploiting a sentient creature or stealing resources from those in greater need.

Fantasy Twist: The healing requires the life force or bones of another creature, creating a moral conflict about sacrifice and necessity.

Science Fiction Twist: The character must implant alien DNA or rely on experimental nanotechnology that alters their physiology, potentially making them less human.

A Fracture in Time

Plot Idea: A character breaks a bone while exploring a magical or technological anomaly, such as a time rift or a cursed artifact. The fracture becomes a clue to unraveling the mystery—perhaps it heals unnaturally fast, grows abnormally, or carries an imprint of the anomaly’s energy.

Character Angle: The injury forces the character to reconsider their role in the unfolding events, transitioning from a passive observer to an active participant.

Fantasy Twist: The fracture glows faintly and causes visions of the past or future, making it both a burden and a source of insight.

Science Fiction Twist: The bone regenerates alien tissue or absorbs technological data, creating opportunities—and dangers—for the character.

The Broken Leader

Plot Idea: A leader breaks a bone at a critical moment, leaving them unable to physically guide their group. They must lead through wisdom and strategy rather than action, relying on others to execute their plans.

Character Angle: The injury forces the leader to face insecurities about their worth beyond physical prowess and strengthens their bond with their team.

Fantasy Twist: The leader’s broken bone is a sign of a prophecy, interpreted as either a good or bad omen by their followers.

Science Fiction Twist: The fracture disables the neural implants they rely on to communicate or control their crew, leaving them vulnerable.

Alien or Mythical Physiology Challenges

Plot Idea: A character with a non-human physiology suffers a unique fracture that requires entirely unconventional treatment. The injury could have cascading effects on their biology, affecting their behavior, abilities, or survival.

Character Angle: The character’s injury challenges others to understand and accept their differences, fostering empathy or conflict within the group.

Fantasy Twist: A centaur breaks a leg, which is both life-threatening and emotionally devastating, as it renders them unable to run—a core part of their identity.

Science Fiction Twist: A crystalline alien species cracks a vital “bone,” threatened their structural integrity. Their teammates struggle to repair them using unfamiliar technology.

The Healing Trial

Plot Idea: To recover from a broken bone, the character must undergo a grueling trial or test. The process is physical, emotional, or even spiritual, forcing them to confront their fears, limits, or inner demons.

Character Angle: The injury becomes symbolic of the character’s internal struggles, and their healing journey mirrors their growth.

Fantasy Twist: The trial involves seeking a legendary healer or magical spring, but only the worthy can access its power.

Science Fiction Twist: The character must trust an advanced AI or alien entity to guide their recovery, grappling with the fear of losing their autonomy.

The Warrior’s Scar

Plot Idea: A character’s broken bone heals poorly, leaving them with a permanent scar or limp that affects their fighting ability. They must adapt to their new limitations and find new ways to be effective.

Character Angle: The character struggles with feelings of inadequacy, eventually discovering strength in their adaptability and experience.

Fantasy Twist: A magical artifact offers to restore their strength, but it comes with a heavy price, such as binding them to an ancient spirit.

Science Fiction Twist: They change their body with biomechanical implants, but the enhancements come with unexpected side effects, like emotional detachment or societal rejection.

The Stolen Bone

Plot Idea: In a world where bones hold magical or technological power, thieves steal or harvest a character’s broken bone for nefarious purposes. The character must retrieve it or deal with the loss.

Character Angle: The character wrestles with anger, betrayal, or loss of identity tied to their stolen bone, while proving they can overcome adversity without it.

Fantasy Twist: A villain uses the stolen bone to cast a powerful curse or summon a creature, and the character feels a lingering connection to the magic.

Science Fiction Twist: The stolen bone contains vital genetic or technological information, making the character a target for factions that want to control or destroy it.

Writing about broken bones offers a wealth of storytelling opportunities, from dramatic injury scenes to rich character arcs during recovery. By understanding the types of fractures, symptoms, and healing processes, you can create compelling, realistic portrayals that keep readers engaged. Remember, it’s not just about the injury—it’s about how it challenges and changes your characters, both physically and emotionally. With careful attention to detail and a focus on the human (or non-human) experience, you can make even the smallest fracture a pivotal moment in your story.

---

I hope this was helpful. Let me know if you have questions or suggestions by using the Contact Me form on my website or by writing a comment. I post every Friday and would be grateful if you would share my content.

If you want my blog delivered straight to your inbox every month along with exclusive content and giveaways, please sign up for my email list here.

Let’s get writing!

Copyright © 2025 Rebecca Shedd. All rights reserved.

• Facebook
• X
• Instagram
• Pinterest