WEEK 8 Brain Injury Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is an acquired brain injury (ABI)?
An injury caused to the brain since birth.
What are the two main categories of acquired brain injury?
- Traumatic
- Non-Traumatic
What was the percentage increase in ABI admissions in the UK since 2005-6?
10%
What is the peak age for hospital admissions due to head injury?
16-25
What is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
A brain injury caused by trauma to the head.
What are the immediate signs and symptoms of TBI?
- Difficulty concentrating or confusion
- Changes in consciousness
- Headaches and dizziness
- Vomiting and nausea
- Changes in mood, behavior, or personality
- Changes in the eyes/Dilated pupils
- Hallucinations
- Swelling at the site of a suspected brain injury
- Inability to remember
- Difficulty breathing
- Any fluid leaking from the nose, eyes, or ears
- Difficulties with language or speech
- Changes in vision, especially blurred vision
What are common causes of traumatic brain injury?
- Road traffic collisions
- Slipping and falling
- Objects striking the head
- Being shaken violently
- Sports-related events
- Acts of violence
What is cerebral anoxia?
A complete interruption of the supply of oxygen to the brain.
What is cerebral hypoxia?
A partial supply of oxygen that is inadequate to maintain normal brain function.
What are some causes of anoxic brain injury?
- Cardiac or respiratory arrest
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Very low blood pressure
- Suffocation
- Choking
- Strangulation
- Severe asthma attack
- Near drowning
- Smoke inhalation
- Carbon monoxide inhalation
- Poisoning
- Drug overdose
- Electric shock
- Attempted suicide
What is the medical treatment of anoxic brain injury focused on?
Restoring a normal heartbeat, blood pressure, and a good supply of oxygen to the brain.
What are some signs and symptoms of anoxic brain injury?
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Feeling woozy or dizzy
- Intense headache
- Vomiting
- Changes in behaviour or sensation
What are the different care settings for medical treatment of acquired brain injuries?
- Emergency Department
- Neurosurgical Unit
- Intensive Care Unit
- General Hospital Ward
- Brain Injury Unit
- Specialist Neuro Rehabilitation Unit
- Community care
What are some hidden long-term effects of acquired brain injuries?
- Changes in behavior or personality
- Difficulty with previously unchallenging tasks
- Changes in relationships
- Difficulty with short or long-term memory
- Trouble recognizing familiar people or animals
- New fears or phobias
- Psychological symptoms such as unexplained depression or anxiety
- Frequent headaches
- Unexplained pain in the limbs
What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
A scale used to assess the level of consciousness in a person following a brain injury.
What factors influence the prognosis of brain injuries?
- Age
- Location of contusion on the brain
- Length of time spent in coma
- Early signs
What does the term ‘locked-in syndrome’ refer to?
A rare condition in which a person is aware of themselves and their surroundings but cannot move or speak.
What is involved in physiotherapy management for brain injuries?
- Respiratory Care
- Rehabilitation
- Sensory assessment
- Assess and treat symptoms
True or False: Men are more likely than women to be admitted for head injury.
True
Fill in the blank: A _______ brain injury is one that occurs due to trauma to the head.
traumatic
What is the role of a clinical neuropsychologist in multi-disciplinary care?
To assess and support cognitive function and psychological health in patients with brain injuries.
What is the significance of the term ‘minimally conscious state’?
A condition where a person shows distinct but limited signs of awareness and response.
