Head Trauma And TBI

Question 1

What coup-contrecoup?

Answer 1

Injury occurring from an initial force followed by the brain striking the opposite side of the skull

Question 2

What is cerebral contusion?

Answer 2

Caused by a capillary bleeding into the brain

Question 3

What is an epidural hematoma?

Answer 3

Bleeding between dura mater and the skull usually arterial

Rapid progression

Question 4

What is a Subdural hematoma?

Answer 4

Bleeding beneath the dura mater, may not present with signs and symptoms for hours or days

Question 5

What is intracerebral hemorrhage?

Answer 5

Ruptured blood vessel within the brain, presents the same as a stroke

Question 6

What is a diffuse injury?

Answer 6

Concussion or diffuse axonal injuries caused by shearing, tearing or stretching of the nerve fibres

Question 7

What is indirect/ secondary brain injury?

Answer 7

Result of harm that occurs because of the direct injury

Question 8

What are 4 signs of indirect brain injury?

Answer 8

1. Diminished circulation to brain tissue
2. Pressure and structural displacement caused by blood or a mass
3. Cheyenne stokes resps
4. Cushing reflex

Question 9

What is cerebral herniation syndrome?

Answer 9

Sudden rise of ICP forcing the brain downwards, obstructing flow of CSF applying pressure on the brain stem

Question 10

What are 4 clinical findings of cerebral herniation syndrome?

Answer 10

1. Decreased LOC progressing to a coma
2. Pupil dilation and outward deviation of eye on the side of injury
3. Paralysis of arm and leg on side opposite to the injury
4. Decerebrate posturing