Concussion Vocab Flashcards
Cranium
The cranium is the part of the skull that encloses the brain. It is made up of several bones that are fused together in adults but not fully fused in infants. This structure not only protects the brain from injury but also supports the structures of the face.
Concussion
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. Although it may not be immediately apparent, a concussion can affect brain function, leading to symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness, vision disturbances, nausea, and sometimes loss of consciousness. Concussions are considered serious medical conditions and require prompt diagnosis and management to prevent long-term complications.
coup
In medical terminology, the term “coup” is not widely used on its own in a specific medical context. However, you might be referring to “coup injury” or “coup-contrecoup injury,” which relates to brain injuries. A coup injury occurs under the site of impact with an object, while a contrecoup injury occurs on the side opposite the area that was hit. This typically happens when the force of the impact is strong enough to cause the brain to move inside the skull, resulting in injury at both the initial impact site (coup) and the opposite side of the brain (contrecoup). These terms are most often discussed in the context of traumatic brain injuries.
contrecoup
“Contrecoup” is a term used primarily in medical contexts, particularly in relation to brain injuries. It refers to an injury that occurs on the side opposite to where an impact or force was initially applied. For example, if someone receives a blow to the front of the head, a contrecoup injury might result in damage to the back of the brain. This happens because the force of the blow causes the brain to move and hit the skull on the opposite side. Contrecoup injuries are often discussed in the context of traumatic brain injuries and can be serious due to the brain’s delicate structure.
2 signs of concussions
Two signs of a concussion include confusion or feeling dazed, and headache or a feeling of pressure in the head.
symptoms of concussion
Symptoms of concussions can vary but often include headaches, confusion, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, sensitivity to light or noise, and sometimes loss of consciousness. It’s essential to seek medical attention if a concussion is suspected.
photophobia
Photophobia is a condition where a person experiences discomfort or pain in the eyes when exposed to light. This sensitivity can be due to various factors, including underlying eye conditions, headaches, or neurological disorders. Photophobia isn’t a fear of light, but rather a physical reaction that can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort, leading individuals to seek dimmer environments or to use sunglasses and hats indoors. Treatment and management strategies depend on the underlying cause of the photophobia.
phonophobia
Phonophobia, also known as ligyrophobia, is an abnormal fear of loud sounds or noises. It’s more than just a dislike or discomfort; it’s a condition where loud sounds trigger significant anxiety, distress, or panic. This fear can be specific to certain types of noises, or it can be a generalized fear of any loud sound. In some cases, even the anticipation of a potential loud noise can cause considerable anxiety for someone with phonophobia. Treatment often involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help manage and eventually reduce the fear response to loud noises.
tinnitus
Tinnitus is a condition characterized by the perception of noise or ringing in the ears when no external sound is present. It’s not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury, or a circulatory system disorder. Tinnitus can vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal and may be heard in one or both ears. In some cases, the sound can be so loud it interferes with the ability to concentrate or hear external sound. While it can worsen with age, for many people, tinnitus can improve with treatment. Treating an identified underlying cause sometimes helps. Other treatments reduce or mask the noise, making tinnitus less noticeable.
Battle Sign
Battle sign is a medical term referring to bruising behind the ears. This condition is an important indicator of a basilar skull fracture, which is a fracture at the base of the skull. The appearance of battle sign is a critical sign that may suggest head trauma or injury, and it typically becomes visible a few hours to days after the injury occurs. It’s crucial for individuals displaying this sign to seek medical evaluation and care promptly, as basilar skull fractures can lead to serious complications if not properly treated.
Epidural Hematoma
An epidural hematoma is a type of traumatic brain injury in which a buildup of blood occurs between the dura mater (the tough outer membrane of the central nervous system) and the skull. This condition is often the result of a head injury, such as a blow to the head, which can cause blood vessels, typically arteries, to rupture and bleed. As the blood accumulates, it can create pressure on the brain, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Symptoms may include a headache, confusion, dizziness, dilated pupils, weakness, or paralysis on one side of the body, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Prompt medical attention and treatment, often surgical, are crucial to relieve the pressure on the brain and prevent lasting damage or death.
Glasgow coma scale
The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is a neurological scale that aims to give a reliable, objective way of recording the conscious state of a person for initial as well as subsequent assessment. A patient is assessed against the criteria of the scale, and the resulting points give a patient score between 3 (indicating deep unconsciousness) and either 14 (original scale) or 15 (more widely used modified scale), depending on whether the original or modified scale is used.
Q. Collar
The Q-Collar is a simple and safe device that applies light pressure to the jugular veins.
