Athletic cranial and facial conditions

Question 1

What is the cerebellum?

Answer 1

Structure located at the back of the brain, underlying the occipital and temporal lobes of the cerebral cortex.

Vital for postural adjustments to maintain balance. Commands motor neruons.

Question 2

What does damage to the cerebellum lead to?

Answer 2

• Loss of coordination of motor movement
• Inability to judge distance and when to stop
• Inability to perform rapid alternating movements
• Movement tremors

Question 3

What is cerebrospinal fluid?

Answer 3

• Acts as a cushion to protect brain and spinal cord from sudden impact
• Fluid also removes waste products from the brain to protect central nervous system
• Circulates through the ventricles, enters subarachnoid space, and eventually filters into the venous system

Question 4

What are the five primary purposes of cerebrospinal fluid?

Answer 4

1. Buoyancy
2. Protection
3. Chemical stability
4. Waste removal
5. Prevention of brain ischemia

Question 5

What is the brachial plexus?

Answer 5

A network of nerves in the shoulder that carry movement and sensory signals from the spinal cord to the arms and hands.
Brachial plexus injuries typically stem from neck trauma.

Question 6

What are the cranial nerves?

Answer 6

There are twelve cranial nerves extending from brain to brain stem that are responsible for controlling different motor and sensory functions.

Question 7

What do sensory neurons do?

Answer 7

Deliver electrical signals from the outer parts of the body- the glands, muscles, and skin, into the cranial nerves. Touch, taste, smell, and sight.

Question 8

What do motor neurons do?

Answer 8

Carry signals from the cranial nerves to the outside parts of the body for muscles and glands to move and function.

Question 9

What are head injuries?

Answer 9

Head injuries can be classified as closed (no cut to the skin) or penetrating (skin and/or skull is broken). Symptoms may not manifest immediately. Brain injuries range from mild to traumatic.

Question 10

What is Bell’s Palsy?

Answer 10

Unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness or paralysis. Begins suddenly and worsens over 48 hours. Condition results from damage to the facial nerve (7th cranial nerve).

Question 11

What is a concussion?

Answer 11

Mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or fall. Trauma that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull.

Symptoms include loss of consciousness and confusion.