Concussion Sequelae Flashcards
catecholamine surge from a second impact to the head/body that causes vascular congestion, cerebral edema, increase ICP, and leads to coma or death
second impact syndrome
what are post-traumatic headaches and post-traumatic epilepsy associated with?
post-concussion syndrome
progressive degenerative disease of the axons and tau found in repeated concussions
chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
when do symptoms typically begin in CTE?
8-10 yrs after repetitive mild TBIs
a patient presents with decrease in attention, headaches, memory loss, erratic behavior, dementia, aphasia, and tremors. what do they likely have?
chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)
what 2 things can give a definitive diagnosis of CTE?
direct tissue exam
immunohistochemical analysis
what are 2 risk factors for post-concussion syndrome?
older
females
what events is PCS more common in?
accidental stressful/traumatic injury
more PCS patients than the general population have: (2)
psych predispositions
psych comorbidity
a patient presents with headache within 7 days of injury, dizziness, mood changes, and loss of concentration/memory that was worse right after the injury but has since gotten better. diagnosis?
post-concussion syndrome
what should we do with any patient with concussion who does not have resolution of symptoms within 7-10 days?
referral to neuro
what imaging can be done for a patient with possible PCS?
brain MRI to exclude other causes
what is the most important part of management of PCS?
education/reassurance
what is the treatment for post traumatic headache syndromes? (2)
same as migraine/tension type
NSAID + triptan
what 2 drugs can be used to prevent post traumatic headache syndrome?
amitriptyline
propranolol
