W19/L11: Traumatic head and spinal injury Flashcards
Define concussion
A clinical term involving after an injury involving sudden change in momentum in the head.
Involves instantaneous LOC, temporary resp arrest & loss of reflexes
What’s the maximum score of the Glascow coma scale?
15
Which brain bleed is there an increased risk of with age? Why?
Subdural haematoma, as the brain shrinks and puts the bridging veins under stretch
Which brain bleed is there a decreased risk of with age? Why?
Extradural, as the dura becomes more adherent to the skull with age
Which arteries are rupturing in extradural haematomas?
The meningeal
Which haematomas are high pressure situations?
Extradural - it’s arterial
Which haematomas are low pressure situations?
Subdural - it’s venous blood
Define contusion
A brain bruise - haemorrhagic necrosis
What is a coup contusion?
When the contusion is at impact site
What is a contrecoup contusion?
When the head isn’t immobalised at the time of injury, so the contusion is on the opposite side of the injury
Where do stereotypic contusions occut?
At the base of the brain
What does a healed contusion injury look like?
The tips of the gyrae are collapsed down, as the necrotic tissue has been cleared
