Disability (Head Injuries)

Question 1

What are the three classifications of head injuries? (3)

Answer 1

• Skull fractures
• Brain injuries
• Scalp wounds

Question 2

Describe the primary and secondary injury associated with head injuries? (2)

Answer 2

Primary injury = penetrating/blunt trauma.
Secondary injury = continual haemorrhage, prolonged hypoxia

Question 3

List the signs and symptoms of a head injury (7)

Answer 3

• Traumatic, temporary loss of conciousness
• Inability to remember events before injury
• Anxiety
• Aggression
• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dizziness

Question 4

What are the signs and symptoms of a basal skull fracture? (5)

Answer 4

• Bleeding from the ear
• CSF from nose/ears
• Blood staining whites of eyes
• Racoon eyes
• Bruising over the mastoid process

Question 5

What are the three types of ICP? (3)

Answer 5

• Subdural haematoma
• Epidural haematoma
• Subarachnoid haemorrhage

Question 6

Is raised ICP a life threatening complication? (1)

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

What are the signs and symptoms of raised ICP?
(4)

Answer 7

• Hypertension & bradycardia
• Reduction in conciousness levels
• Abnormal posturing
• Abnormal respiratory pattern

Question 8

How can you manage a patient with suspected raised ICP? (6)

Answer 8

• Oxygen
• Suspect C-spine
• TraPS and secondary survey
• Monitor regularly
• Treat what you can see
• Urgent evacuation