Part 5 Flashcards
(70 cards)
What is a Linear Fracture associated with?
Epidural Hematoma and infection
Linear fractures can extend towards the base of the skull.
What characterizes a Linear Stellate Fracture?
Multiple fractures radiating from a compressed area, resembling a spider web appearance
This type of fracture can occur due to significant impacts.
What are the signs of a Basilar Skull Fracture?
Battle’s Sign, Raccoon Eyes, Otorrhea, clear rhinorrhea, hemotympanum
These symptoms indicate possible cerebrospinal fluid leaks and other complications.
What is the management protocol for a Basilar Skull Fracture?
NO Nasotracheal intubation, Nasopharyngeal airways, Nasogastric tubes
These interventions can worsen the injury.
What is an Orbital Fracture?
A fracture of the orbital rim caused by a direct blow
It can lead to serious complications, such as the inferior rectus muscle becoming trapped.
What indicates a surgical emergency in the case of an Orbital Fracture?
If one eye doesn’t move up when the patient looks up, causing double vision
This suggests possible muscle entrapment.
What is a Depressed Skull Fracture caused by?
A blow to the head, often with a hammer or similar object
It can lead to complications like Pneumocephalus.
What is Pneumocephalus?
Air trapped inside the skull
It can worsen at high altitudes, leading to brainstem herniation.
What is the leading cause of death in trauma victims?
Head injuries
This highlights the critical nature of assessing and managing head trauma.
What are the two types of Concussions?
Mild (knocked out, no memory loss) and Classic (memory loss)
Diffuse Axonal injury can lead to coma.
What does the Glasgow Coma Scale measure?
Eye opening, verbal response, best motor response
It assesses the level of consciousness in a patient.
What are the levels of consciousness classified by the Glasgow Coma Scale?
Minor Injury 13-15, Moderate Injury 9-12, Severe Injury <8
These scores help in determining the severity of brain injury.
Define Hypertensive Urgency.
Extremely elevated blood pressure with NO signs of end organ damage
Blood pressure should be lowered slowly.
What is a Hypertensive Crisis?
Extremely elevated blood pressure with signs of end organ damage
Symptoms include headache, nausea/vomiting, visual changes.
What is Subdural Hematoma (SDH)?
Results from tearing of bridging veins to the subdural space
It has a slow onset and is more common in the elderly and children.
What is Epidural Hematoma associated with?
Arterial bleed, commonly from the middle meningeal artery
It often presents with a lucid interval after loss of consciousness.
What is a common symptom of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)?
Described as the ‘worst headache of my life’
It is a life-threatening cause of headache.
What is the treatment for Subarachnoid Hemorrhage?
Keep systolic B/P below 140mmHg and treat with Nimodipine
Nimodipine helps prevent cerebral vasospasm.
What is Autonomic Dysreflexia?
Common occurrence in paralyzed patients without a Foley catheter
It can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate.
What does Babinski’s Sign indicate?
A reflex where the big toe moves upward when the foot’s sole is stroked
This is a significant finding in spinal cord injuries.
What is Brown Sequard Lesion?
Ipsilateral motor & vibratory sense loss, contralateral pain & temperature loss
This reflects the nature of spinal cord injuries.
What is Central Cord Injury characterized by?
Greater motor weakness in upper extremities than lower extremities
This is often referred to as ‘they can walk to you but can’t shake your hand.’
What is the prognosis for Anterior Cord Syndrome?
Worst prognosis due to loss of pain & temperature sensation below the injury
Proprioception and vibration sense are spared.
What is Spinal Shock?
Decreased systemic vascular resistance and hypotension due to spinal cord swelling
Treatment includes IV fluids and vasopressors.
