Head and Spinal Injuries

Question 1

Meninges

Answer 1

• Dura mater: outermost
• Subarachnoid: middle, filled with CSF
• Pia mater: innermost, covers brain and spinal cord

Question 2

Cerebrum

Answer 2

• Largest part of the brain
• Responsible for:
  1. conscious and sensory functions
  2. Emotions
  3. Personality

Question 3

Cerebellum

Answer 3

• Responsible for:
  1. Equilibrium
  2. Coordinates muscle activity

Question 4

Brainstem

Answer 4

• Pons - Midbrain- Medulla oblongata
• Responsible for Autonomic functions:
  1. Cardiac
  2. Respiratory
  3. Blood pressure

Question 5

Scalp injuries

Answer 5

• Has a heavy blood supply
• Can lead to difficulty detected skull fractures

Question 6

Skull fractures

Answer 6

• Linear
• Depressed
• Basilar

Question 7

Basilar skull fracture

Answer 7

• Fractures to the floor of cranium
• Can lead to:
  1. CSF drainage from nose and ears
  2. Battle signs
  3. Raccoon eyes

Question 8

Traumatic Brain Injury: Primary Injury

Answer 8

• Occurs at the time of direct impact, penetrating wounds, or accel/ decel
• EMT has no way of reversing these effects

Question 9

Traumatic Brain Injury: Secondary injury

Answer 9

• Pathophysiological processes following primary brain injury
• Must prevent:
  1. Hypotension (maintain 90 systolic or above)
  2. Hypoxia (maintain O2 sat 95% OR above)
• Hypotension and hypoxia are a leading cause of ischemia in the traumatic brain injury

Question 10

Brain Herniation

Answer 10

• Intracranial pressure cause’s brain to shift and herniate

Question 11

Intracranial Pressure

Answer 11

Signs/ Symptoms
1. Blown pupil on one side
2. Weakness or paralysis
3. Severe