Concussions

Question 1

Cell Death: Necrosis (Cytolysis)

Answer 1

Cells rupture, spilling their contents into the extracellular space

Inflammatory Response

Question 2

Cell Death: Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death)

Answer 2

Cells are dismantled into membrane-bound vesicles

No Inflammatory Response

Question 3

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Answer 3

Any brain injury that occurs after birth

Not hereditary, congenital, or degenerative

Causes:
Lack of oxygen
Drug toxicity
Poisoning

Question 4

Traumatic Brain Injury

Answer 4

A sub-category of ABI

Includes only damage to the brain caused by an external mechanical force

Major cause of death and disability (#1 in children and youth)

Causes:
Concussion
Blast injury
Penetrating trauma

Question 5

Physical Symptoms of TBI

Answer 5

Headache, Dizziness
Sleep Disturbances
Blurred vision/Tinnitus/Slurred speech 
Loss of consciousness 
Nausea or vomiting 
Balance and coordination issues
Decreased reaction time

Question 6

Cognitive Symptoms of TBI

Answer 6

Confusion
Behavior/Mood changes
Restlessness
Agitation
Memory problems
Problems with concentration/attention
Difficulty problem-solving

Question 7

TBI Spectrum

Answer 7

Minimal - Mild - Moderate - Severe

Dependent on symptoms, injury, and force

Question 8

Mechanics of TBI

Answer 8

When a blow is sufficiently forceful CSF is unable to protect the brain within the skull resulting in a collision between the brain and skull

Question 9

Three Steps in TBI

Answer 9

1. Site where brain and skull first make contact (COUP)
2. Pressure cause brain to rebound and contact skull on opposite side (CONTRE-COUP)
3. This motion continues until the energy dissipates