Concussions Flashcards
mild traumatic brain injury with changes in brain physiology rather than structural changes
concussion
What is impaired within the brain when someone has a concussion?
Glucose metabolism, Cerebral blood flow, Axonal Function
What is a more predictive symptom than loss of consciousness for concussion?
amnesia
What should initial evaluation of concussion include?
mental status testing and gait assessment/balance
What kind of referral is needed for suspicion of hematoma, C-spine injury, worsening LOC, motor weakness, transient quadriparesis, seizure?
acute referral
Signs of increased ICP
Headache, vomiting, papilledema, brain stem herniation
What percent of patients with mild concussions develop long-term sequelae?
15%
When should you treat an injury as a cervical spine injury?
any loss of consciousness
Medications that should be avoided in the first 48 hrs post concussion
ASA and NSAIDs
Rule of 3’s for concussions
1 concussion: out of game/full practice for several days
2 concussions: out for the season
3 concussions: out of the sport
Syndrome that occurs following a prior head injury/concussion and prior to healing of initial injury that can lead to death
second impact syndrome
Computer based neurophysiologic testing that records players symptoms and scores verbal & visual memory, processing speed, reaction time
ImPACT testing
How often do you need a baseline testing for ImPACT testing?
every two years
Chronic cognitive and behavioral symptoms following injury. May take months to resolve
post concussion syndrome
Possible physical therapy tx that may improve balance in post concussion syndrome
balance and propriocepthiog programs. canalith repositioning maneuvers
