Dementia Flashcards
Define compression fracture in TBI
a depressed skull fracture in which the broken bone exerts pressure on the brain
Define concussion
bow to head or sudden deceleration usu causing an AMS, either temporary or prolonged. “brief loss of consciousness”
Define countrecoup
bruising or damage to brain tissue on the side opposite where the blow was struck
Define diffuse brain injury
injury to cells in many areas of the brain rather than in one specific location
Define epidural, subdural, intracerebral and subarachnoid hematomas
Epidural -outside the brain and its fibrous dura but under the skull; rupture of middle meningeal arteries (“lucid period”)
subdural - btw brain and dura; rupture of bridging veins
intracerebral -in the brain tissue (often basal ganglia)
subarachnoid -around the surfaces of the brain, btw dura and arachnoid membranes; usu due to rupture of saccular/berry aneurysm
Define focal injury in TBI
confined to a specific area of the brain
Define penetrating injury in TBI
when an object, such as a bullet or hay hook, breaks thru the skull, enters the brain and rips the soft brain tissue in its path
Define skull fracture
breaking the bones surrounding the brain. A depressed skull fracture is one in which the broken bone exerts pressure on the brain
T/F Memory is the slowest part of the conscious mind to recover from a TBI. It can be weeks or months before your survivor is able to routinely store new memories.
True
Post-traumatic amnesia can occur for longer than the coma itself and causes the patients to act in an almost child-like state. The best environment is little or no stimulation. What are some guidelines to follow when interacting with someone suffering from post-traumatic amnesia?
- always identify yourself when entering the room
- tell her that it is morning, afternoon or evening to help her orient to time
- warn her when you are going to touch her
- show photos of familiar ppl
- surround her with familiar objects
- repeat that she has been injured and is in hospital
- dont’ ask her to recall injury
- be patient
What are the three stages to your family member’s rehabilitation?
- Acute inpatient rehabilitation in a specialized facility offering a full range of therapies
- An outpatient day program in a structured group setting with a full range of therapies
- Individual outpatient therapy to treat more troublesome impairments
What are the 2 primary components of rehabilitation after TBI?
- relearning forgotten skills
2. compensating for more enduring impairments
What’s the first goal in rehab after TBI?
relearn ADLs
If your survivor is not yet ready for rehabilitation, but no longer requires the special care of an acute hospital, your health insurer will no longer pay the hospital bill. In this situation, you have three options:
- You can pay the bill yourself, if a bed is available.
- You can care for your patient at home, but this is a demanding job that requires medical skills.
- You can place your loved one in a long-term care facility, such as a nursing home, until she’s ready for rehabilitation.
What is chronic traumatic encephalopathy?
a progressive neurodegenerative disease in the category of tauopathies
multiple mild TBIs –> late-life dementia
symptoms: tremors, unsteadiness, masked faces, mental deterioration (parkinsonism)
About how many ppl a year in the US suffer TBI? What are the 2 top likely causes? Which age group and gender is at most risk?
1.7 million
1) falls and 2) MVAs
males; 0-4 and 15-19
TBI to the pituitary glands can affect?
- growth in children
- BP
- fatigue
- depression
- sex drive
- body temp
- pain
TBI to the amydala can affect?
- memory formation
- emotional sensitivity
- learning & retention
- depression
- anxiety