Concussion

Question 1

What is the definition of concussion?

Answer 1

A clinical syndrome characterised by the immediate and transient post-traumatic impairment of neural function (such as altered consciousness, vision or equilibrium). Any trauma induced alteration in mental status that may or may not include a loss of consciousness.

Question 2

What is the fencing response?

Answer 2

Unusual positioning of the arms immediately following a concussion (no protective action in fall to the ground)

Question 3

what are some consequences of concussion?

Answer 3

Repeated trauma causes damage to microtubules (neural networking), accumulation of tau proteins in emotional or visceral brain which underline early behavioural symptoms and memory disturbances

Question 4

Where do most cervical fractures occur?

Answer 4

1/3 at C2, 1/2 at C6-C7

Question 5

What are the signs of a C4-C5 fracture dislocation?

Answer 5

Open mouth ‘clown’ concept, in which the fracture hematoma is pushing on the oesophagus therefore to aid in swallowing saliva, symptoms include open mouth.

Question 6

What are the dermatome tests useful for understanding spinal origin?

Answer 6

C5 - biceps
C4 - shrugs
C6 - wrist extension over edge
C7 - tricep dips
C8 - finger curling
T1 - finger extension