Traumatic Brain Injury Flashcards
(40 cards)
Define TBI
Structural injury or a pathological disruption of brain function, due to external force
Define concussion
Immediate alteration of mental status or level of consciousness resulting from Mechanical force
What things do you need to look for when deciding if to do a head CT for TBI?
Loss of consciousness, focal neurological signs, seizures, older age etc…
How long should a patient with no head CT needed be observed for?
6-8 hours
Where is an epidural haemorrhage located?
Between the meninges and the skull
Where is a subarachnoid haemorrhage located?
Between different levels of the meninges
Where is a subdural haemorrhage located?
Under the dura
What is a contusion TBI?
A bruise in the brain
What happens in a diffuse axonal injury?
Shearing or tearing of axons
What is a craniotomy?
Taking a flap of skin from the skull to suck out the haematoma or blood
What are burr holes?
Making small holes in the skull to relieve pressure
What is the cause of raised inter-cranial pressure?
Monroe-Kellie doctorine- if something in the brain changes volume, everything else else to compensate and so the brain pushes to one areaj
What is it called when the brain pushes into the hole in the bottom of the skull?
Coning or brain/tons a herniation
What are some of the main symptoms of raised inter-cranial pressure?
Headache, nausea, vision loss, 3rd and 6th nerve palsy, pallioedema, double vision and Cushing reflex
What is the Cushing reflex?
A response to increased intracranial pressure
What does the Cushing reflex lead to?
High blood pressure
Slower pulse
Decreased respiratory
What causes intraparenchymal haemorrhage?
Primary - hypertension
Secondary - tumor, cerebral amyloid etc…
What are some of the symptoms of intraparenchymal haemorrhage?
Headache, nausea, reduced conscious level, agitation, focal neurology, sudden acute onset and hypertension
What complications are associated with intraparenchymal haemorrhage?
Seizures, increased ICP and hydrocephalus
What causes hydrocephalus?
Blocked ventricles, so CSF can’t escape
What 3 imaging techniques should be used for intraparenchymal haemorrhage?
CT head
MR head
Angiogram
How can subarachnoid haemorrhage be caused?
Traumatic or non traumatic brain injury
What are the symptoms of subarachnoid haemorrhage?
Sudden onset, meningism, reduced consciousness, 3rd/6th nerve palsy and vasospam
How can a lumbar puncture help determine subarachnoid haemorrhage?
If there is blood in the CSF or after a few hours, the blood has broken down into yellow liquid
