Traumatic Brain Injury Flashcards
How are traumatic brain injuries categorized?
“penetrating” or “non-penetrating,” depending on the breach of the dura.
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How is the severity of a traumatic brain injury categorized?
by the Glasgow Coma Scale.
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What is considered a primary injury in the context of traumatic brain injury?
Primary injury occurs at the time of the initial insult.
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What are secondary injuries in the context of traumatic brain injury?
- neuroinflammation
- cerebral edema
- hypoxia
- anemia
- electrolyte imbalances
- neurogenic shock.
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When is intubation required for traumatic brain injury patients?
in severe TBI:
* GCS < 9
* airway trauma
* respiratory distress
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What role does mild hyperventilation play in the management of TBI?
Mild hyperventilation is used to control intracranial pressure (ICP).
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What imaging is required as soon as possible in cases of traumatic brain injury?
A CT scan of the head and neck should be done ASAP.
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- review co-morbidities
- degree of injury
- imaging
- labs
- perform a gross neurologic exam.
Emergent surgery should not be delayed!
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- C-spine stabilization
- adequate IV access
- central venous catheter (CVC
- arterial line (Aline)
- possibly uncrossmatched blood if there is no time for type and crossmatch.
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Why should nasogastric or orogastric tubes be avoided in TBI patients?
due to the potential for basal skull fractures.
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