Ch 33 Trauma To The Head, Neck, And Spine Flashcards
Peripheral nervous system
Pairs of nerves entering and exiting between each spinal cord, 12 pairs of cranial nerves traveling from brain without passing through spinal cord, other motor and sensory nerves
Central nervous system
Brain and spinal cord
Sensory nerves
Carry messages from body to brain
Motor nerves
Messages from brain to muscle
As nerves exit brain
Cross over to opposite side of body
Injury to one side of brain will cause effects on other side
Foramen magnum
Spinal cord exits base of brain and skull through this hole
Cauda equina
Fan of nerves extending from lower part of spine
Layers of spinal cord
First layer - meninges
Second layer - vertebrae (33)
Spinous process
Bony bump along entirety of spine
Scalp injuries treatment
Direct pressure
If bone or brain is showing, apply loose dressing no pressure
Head injury open vs closed
Open - bones of cranium fractured
Closed - scalp lacerated but cranium unharmed
Concussion
Amnesia
Headache
Possible loss of consciousness
No detectable damage to brain
Increased ICP
High BP (to get to the brain)
Slow heart rate (rest of body does not need high BP)
Together known as Cushing reflex
Dilated pupils
Abnormal breath patterns
Causes a herniation
Open neck wound treatment
Occlusive dressing maybe hemostatic agents
Secondary spinal injury
Hypoxia, shock, swelling of cord, hypoglycemia
