Concussion Flashcards
What is a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)?
A concussion is a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain, induced by direct or indirect biomechanical forces.
What percentage of concussion patients experience vestibular and oculomotor deficits?
50-60% of concussion patients experience vestibular and oculomotor deficits (Brogilo et al., 2015; Mucha et al., 2014).
What biomechanical forces contribute to a concussion?
Rotational acceleration and/or deceleration forces contribute to concussions.
How does a concussion affect the vestibulo-ocular system?
A concussion can cause disruption of vestibulo-ocular pathways, leading to dizziness, balance issues, and visual disturbances.
What is the resting membrane potential in a cell?
The resting membrane potential is -70 mV on the inside of the cell, creating a potential difference with a more positive environment outside.
Where is sodium (Na+) concentration higher at rest?
Na+ concentration is higher outside the cell at rest.
How does the sodium-potassium pump affect the cell’s charge?
The sodium-potassium pump maintains a less positive (more negative) charge inside the cell by actively transporting Na+ out and K+ in.
What triggers depolarization in a nerve action potential?
Depolarization is triggered when the membrane potential reaches -55 mV, opening voltage-gated sodium channels (VGC), allowing Na+ to move into the cell.
What happens at 30 mV during an action potential?
At 30 mV, voltage-gated potassium channels (VGC) open, allowing K+ to move out of the cell, initiating repolarization.
How does depolarization affect the cell’s charge?
Depolarization makes the inside of the cell more positive as Na+ rushes in.
Why does repolarization follow depolarization?
Repolarization follows depolarization to restore the resting membrane potential by moving K+ out of the cell.
What happens during repolarization after an action potential?
During repolarization, Na+ is moved out of the cell (3 ions) and K+ is moved in (2 ions), restoring the resting membrane potential.
How does membrane permeability change during repolarization?
The membrane becomes more permeable to K+ and less permeable to Na+.
What triggers neurotransmitter release at the synapse?
The presynaptic neuron activates voltage-gated channels (VGCs) for an influx of Ca++, which triggers vesicle formation.
What role does calcium (Ca++) play in synaptic transmission?
Ca++ influx causes vesicles to form and transport glutamate to the synaptic cleft.
What happens after glutamate is released?
Glutamate binds to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron, activating VGCs for Na+ influx.
How does Na+ affect the postsynaptic neuron?
Na+ influx continues the action potential in the postsynaptic neuron.
What is a metabolic crisis after a concussion?
A metabolic crisis occurs when the brain experiences an energy mismatch due to increased energy demand and decreased energy supply following a concussion.
What causes the metabolic crisis in concussion?
A concussion leads to ionic imbalances, excessive glutamate release, and impaired ATP production, resulting in a temporary energy deficit.
How does a concussion affect glucose metabolism?
Glucose demand increases while cerebral blood flow decreases, leading to an energy crisis in the brain.
Why is the brain vulnerable during the metabolic crisis?
The brain is more susceptible to further injury due to reduced energy availability and impaired ability to maintain homeostasis.
What happens immediately after a concussion impact?
Massive glutamate release and widespread depolarization of brain cells.
What occurs in the first 5-6 minutes post-concussion?
Disrupted ion levels across the membrane.
What happens within 0-30 minutes after a concussion?
Glucose uptake increases to restore ionic balance.