Brain Injury

Question 1

What are 3 types of TBI

Answer 1

Closed head injuries
Open wound injuries
Crushing injuries

Question 2

Give 4 types of closed head injuries

Answer 2

Diffuse axonal injuries
Concussion
Intracranial haematoma
Cerebral Contusion

Question 3

Describe a diffuse axonal injury

Answer 3

Acceleration/ decceleration applies rotational forces to the brain; gray and white matter are different densities so move at different velocities; at interface of gray and white matter there is sheering of neuronal axons

Question 4

What are the two stages of diffuse axonal injury?

Answer 4

Primary axon injury - biochemical changes at cellular level

Secondary axon injury - swelling and rupture of nerve axon; formation of axonal variscosities along axon length

Question 5

Give 5 immediate signs of TBI

Answer 5

Difficulty concentrating
Changes in consciousness
Headaches/ dizziness
Vomiting/ nausea
Fluid leaking from nose, eyes, ears
Changes in vision
Difficulties with language or speech

Question 6

Describe 3 differences between TBI and ABI

Answer 6

ABI - apoptosis of brain cells due to deprivation of O2
Results in more ataxic movement and low tone
Not caused by trauma; caused by stroke/ anaphylaxis, v. low BP, asphyxiation, etc.

Question 7

Give 4 types of ABI

Answer 7

Diffuse cerebral hypoxia
Focal cerebral hypoxia
Global cerebral ischemia
Cerebral infarction

Question 8

What are the immediate signs and symptoms of an ABI

Answer 8

Confusion
Loss of consciousness
Dizziness
Intense headache 
Vomiting
Changes in behaviour/ sensation

Question 9

Give 5 signs and symptoms of ABI

Answer 9

All 4 limbs can be affected
Changes in behaviour/ personality
Changes in relationships
ST/LT memory problems
New fears/phobias
Frequent headaches