The Ferrari driver fractured his skull at the point where the spring hit him and at the rear base of his skull.

BBC: Ferrari's Felipe Massa in emotional return to Hungary

Dr. Backous is the Medical Director of the Center for Hearing and Skull Base Surgery at Swedish.

FORBES: Hospital To Perform First Live-Tweeted/Instagrammed Hearing Restoration Surgery

She was petrified when doctors found a golf-ball-size tumor near the base of her skull in June 2007.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Prof Jack Crane said the bullet entered his head near the left ear and passed through the base of the skull.

BBC: State pathologist says Carroll bullet 'rapidly fatal'

In particular, a large wound at the base of his skull seemed likely to have been made by a blade like a halberd.

CNN: February 4, 2013 -- Updated 1805 GMT (0205 HKT)

Peil confirmed that a small fracture at the base of Schumacher's skull had caused the problem and led to his decision on Tuesday to call off the comeback.

CNN: Schumacher's turmoil over failed F1 comeback