4.6

Question 1

define traumatic brain injury.

Answer 1

evidence of brain pathology as result of external force.

Question 2

What are some possible causes of traumatic vs. anoxic brain injuries?

Answer 2

traumatic - gunshots wounds, MV accident, falls to the head.

anoxic - complete lack of oxygen to the brain.

Question 3

What is a coup-contrecoup injury?

Answer 3

A counter-coup injury can occur with rapid acceleration and deceleration as the brain floats within the cranium. – damage to the back. Brain moves forward and then reverts back.

Question 4

What causes a herniation of midline shift to occur after a brain injury or stroke?

Answer 4

Excessive pressure or ICP, hypoxemia, and hypotension. Excessive release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate with the inflammatory processes causes further edema and since the cranium is closed, when the brain swells it leads to increasing ICP. When the brain swells too much it can lead to herniations and midline orientation shifts.

Question 5

What is a normal ICP reading?

Answer 5

Normal ICP reading is 5 to 20 mmHg.

Question 6

coma

Answer 6

no arousal

Question 7

vegatative state

Answer 7

unaware of surroundings

Question 8

minimally conscious state

Answer 8

mild awareness

Question 9

stupor

Answer 9

arousal with vigorous stimuli

Question 10

obtunded

Answer 10

sleepiness/delayed reaction

Question 11

dysautonomia

Answer 11

deficits in functioning of the sympathetic nervous system may result with severe head injuries.

elevated hate rate, blood pressure, diaphoresis