ABI Flashcards
How do strokes and ABI differ?
A stroke is a type of ABI - it not related to a traumatic event
What does ABI stand for?
Acquired Brain Injury
What is an ABI?
Damage to the brain that is not related to a degenerative condition, encompassing various causes including TBI, strokes and infections
It is more often related to an event
What is a mild brain injury?
Brief period of unconsciousness
Quick recovery
GCS 13-15
What is a moderate brain injury?
Unconsiousness lasts 15 mins - 6 hours
Recovery is slightly slower but still good
GCS 9 - 12
Post-traumatic amnesia over 24 hours
What is a severe brain injury?
Period of unconsciousness lasts more than 6 hours
Post - traumatic amnesia lasts over 24 hours
GCS less than 9
What is the difference between a primary and secondary brain injury?
Primary - immediate physical damage to the brain that occurs at the time of a traumatic event
Secondary - Subsequent damage that can occur any time after an initial traumatic event
What is the most common type of primary traumatic brain injury?
A close head injury -
No open wound or breaking of the skin
What is a Diffuse brain injury?
An injury that has widespread impacts to the brain rather than being to a localised area
what can cause a diffuse brain injury?
Often due to acceleration-deceleration forces
Head is rocked back and forth, the brain follows the movement of the skull.
Nerve fibres are stretched, twisted and torn
What is an anoxic brain injury?
When the brain is deprived of oxygen for an extended period of time, causing damage to brain cells and tissues
What can cause an anoxic brain injury?
Choking
Drowning
Blocking of the airway
