Brain - Trauma

Question 1

Which type of vessels have been damaged to produce a subdural haematoma?

Answer 1

Bridging veins (between the brain and the venous sinuses, bleeding into the subdural space).

Question 2

Which groups of patients are at most risk for subdural haematoma and why?

Answer 2

Elderly - because of brain atrophy, the veins are stretched more, and there is more movement of brain.

Question 3

How does an extradural haematoma occur?

Answer 3

Rupture of a meningeal artery, usually in association with a skull fracture.

Question 4

Define and describe Diffuse Axonal Injury.

Answer 4

Microscopic damage to deep brain white matter. Believed to damage the integrity of the axon at the node of Ranvier. Impaired axoplasmic flow. Commonly found with coma but no cerebral contusions.