Brain Diseases and Head Trauma

Question 1

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

Answer 1

Most common type, Little strokes caused by temporary lack of blood flow in the brain, resulting in impaired neurological activity. Presents as sudden weakness on parts of one side of the body, speech issues, dizziness, staggering. Detected w/ cranial imaging. Treated w/ Aspirin, Antiplatelets, and Anticoagulants.

Question 2

Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) aka Stroke

Answer 2

Blockage or Hemorrhaging of blood vessels in the brain causes a portion of the brain to die. Presents as impaired consciousness, apnea, low pulse, loss of coordination, dysphasia, diplopia, dizziness. Diagnosed w/ imaging, treated w/ anticoagulant / antiplatelets, physical therapy.

Question 3

Acute Subdural Hematoma

Answer 3

One of the deadliest head injuries caused by a pooling of blood in the brain between membranes after a severe blow to the head. Presents as headache, confusion, dysphasia, visual issues and even hemiparesis. Detected on CT/MRI, treated w/ surgery to reduce swelling and control seizures.

Question 4

Chronic Subdural Hematomas

Answer 4

Subdural hematomas that occur spontaneously or after minor head injuries. Presents as headache, confusion, dysphasia, visual issues and even hemiparesis. Detected on CT/MRI, treated w/ surgery to reduce swelling and control seizures.

Question 5

Concussion

Answer 5

Causes temp. neural dysfunction and loss of consciousness, and a little amnesia from a fall or blow to the head but no brain bleeding.

Question 6

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Answer 6

Head injury where brain collides with skull, brain gets bruised, nerve tissue gets damaged. Cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions get impaired. (Many veterans have TBIs, changes their personality).

Question 7

Cerebral Contusion

Answer 7

A type of TBI where heavy bleeding occurs in and around the brain which gets bruised, and nerve tissue is damaged. Symptoms are severe: loss of consciousness, hemorrhage, personality changes & death.

Question 8

Brain Injuries Treatments

Answer 8

All brain injuries are monitored for bleeding, nerve damage, and increased pressure within the brain. Surgery is used to handle swelling, excess bleeding or any pressure. After surgery is done patient is monitored and given pain medication.

Question 9

Skull Fracture

Answer 9

Presents as a scalp wound, w/ profuse bleeding from the head and possible brain damage. There will be pain, tenderness, and swelling. Again, like other head/brain injuries, treated w/ surgery to reduce swelling, pressure, and affected tissue.

Question 10

Perforated Ear Drums

Answer 10

Hole in the eardrum Caused by a blow to the head, or sharp object in the ear. Experienced frequently on airplanes w/ change in pressure (especially in children).

Question 11

ALS aka Lou Gehrig Disease

Answer 11

Degeneration of nerve cells in brain and spinal chord, presents as random muscle contractions, muscular atrophy, problems w/ speech, chewing, breathing and when severe leads to paralysis. Detected w/ electromyography and MRI, no real treatment/cure, only physical therapy to prolong muscle function.

Question 12

Alzheimer Disease

Answer 12

Progressive and degenerative death of neurons in cerebral cortex. Presents as short/long term memory loss, irriability, incontinence, restlessness, & hostility. Diagnosed w/ imaging. No cure, can only treat w/ medicine to promote acetylcholine production.

Question 13

Parkinson Disease

Answer 13

Progressive muscle rigidity and involuntary tremors. Presents as bradykinesia, pill-rolling tremors, muffled speech, fixed expression. Detected w/ Blood tests and imaging. Treated w/ anticholinergics and electrotherapy.

Question 14

Multiple Sclerosis

Answer 14

Progressive destruction of Myelin sheath that protects neurons in the brain. Presents as changes in vision, motor and sensory issues, muscle weakness, numbness and mood swings. Detected w/ imaging & neurological exam. Treated w/ corticosteroids.

Question 15

Bell Palsy

Answer 15

Disruption of 7th cranial nerve, causing paralysis on one side of the face. Presents as a drooping mouth with saliva, pain in jaw/ear, headache. Treated w/ anti-inflammatories, electrotherapy, and corticosteroids.

Question 16

Peripheral Neuropathy

Answer 16

Degeneration of nerves. Presents as pain and loss of sensation in extremities, loss of reflexes, dizziness. No cure, can only treat root cause, for example diabetes, B12 deficiency, and lead poisoning.

Question 17

Otitis Media

Answer 17

Accumulation of fluid in the middle ear. Presents as pressure in the ear, hearing impairment, pain/fever/chills, dizziness. Treated w/ analgesics for pain, antibiotics for any infection, decongestants for drainage and in severe cases surgery if eardrum has been damaged.

Question 18

Meniere’s Disease

Answer 18

Disorder of the inner ear, presents as dizziness/vertigo, ringing in ears, hearing difficulties/hearing loss, pain from pressure. Treated w/ reduced salt intake, caffeine, and smoking. Analgesics for pain.

Question 19

Glaucoma

Answer 19

Fluid pressure builds in eye, causes nerve damage. Presents as eye aches, visual disturbance, loss of peripheral vision, and eventually blindness. Treated w/ prescription eyedrops, oral medications, laser treatment, surgery to reduce eye pressure.

Question 20

Cataract

Answer 20

Cloudiness of lenses in the eye, presents as gradual loss or blurring of vision, colors start to look faded, issues w/ night driving, but painless. Removed w/ surgery.

Question 21

Retinal Detachment

Answer 21

Separation of retina from eye causes by a hole or tear in retina. Causes blindness. Presents as seeing cobwebs, floating spots, flashes of light, shade coming over the eyes, progressive vision loss. Requires emergency surgery to repair the retina.

Question 22

Cerebral Aneurysm

Answer 22

Bulging artery in the brain, typically not noticed until it ruptures, leading to brain hemorrhage. Presents as a severe migraine w/ all the severe migraine symptoms (headache, dilated pupils, blurred or double vision, neck pain, nausea, sensitivity to light) along w/ loss of sensation, speech and coordination. Requires emergency surgery.