Head and Spine Trauma Flashcards

Learn the different interventions and causes of Head and Spine trauma

1
Q

What are the layers of scalp?

A
  • Hair and skin
  • Subcutaneous tissue
  • Galea Aponeurotica
  • Loose connective tissue
  • Periosteum: covers the surface of the bone
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2
Q

Define:

Foramen Magnum

A

A large opening at the base of the skull where the brain connects to the spinal cord.

It is the location where the brain can herniate.

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3
Q

What is the purpose of sutures on the skull?

A

It connects the different sections of bones on the skull.

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4
Q

What is the purpose of fontanelles?

A

It links the sutures together.

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5
Q

Define:

Crista Galli

A

A prominent bony ridge in the center of the anterior fossa and is the point of attachment for meninges.

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6
Q

Define:

Cribriform Plate

A

A passage for olfactory nerve filaments from the nasal cavity.

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7
Q

What is the function of the olfactory nerves?

A

smell

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8
Q

What are the major regions of the brain?

A
  • Cerebellum
  • Diencephelon
  • Brainstem
  • Cerebrum
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9
Q

What is the function of the Frontal lobe?

A

Voluntary motor actions and emotion.

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10
Q

What is the function of the Parietal lobe?

A
  • voluntary sensory and motor functions
  • memory and emotions
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11
Q

What is the function of the Occipital lobe?

A

vision

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12
Q

What is the function of the Temporal lobe?

A

speech

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13
Q

What is the function of the Limbic System?

A
  • motivation
  • emotions
  • mood
  • sensations of pain and pleasure
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14
Q

Define:

Meninges

A

A protective layer that surrounds the brain and spinal cords.

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15
Q

What are the layers of Meninges?

List from top to bottom.

A
  • Dura
  • Arachnoid
  • Pai

Remember using the acronym “DAP”.

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16
Q

_______ ______ _____ is manufactured in the ventricles of the brain.

A

Cerebral spinal fluid

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17
Q

What is the function of Subarachnoid Space?

A

The space where the CSF flows.

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18
Q

What are the components of the vertebrae?

A
  • Spinous Process
  • Pericles
  • Lamina
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19
Q

How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the human body?

A

31

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20
Q

What is the function of facial and trigeminal nerve?

A

facial feeling and function

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21
Q

What are the MOI criteria that suggest a possible spinal injury?

A
  • Greater than 40 mph crash.
  • Unrestrained occupant.
  • 12 inch intrusion to vehicle.
  • Fall from three times the person’s height.
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22
Q

What happens to the brain during a coup contra coup injury?

A
  • Brain hits front of head.
  • Brain hits back of the head.
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23
Q

Fill in the blank.

You need at least ____ mmHg of Cerebral Perfusion Pressure to perfuse the brain.

A

60

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24
Q

Treatment:

Hypotension with head injury

A

IVF 20 ml/kg

Blood pressure must be sustained at >110-120 mmHg systolic.

25
Q

Fill in the blank

Injury to ____ to ___ may stop breathing because it is innervated by the phrenic nerve.

Hint: cervical vertebrae

A

C3, C5

26
Q

Fill in the blank.

Consider RSI in a head injury if GCS is < ___.

A

8

27
Q

Treatment:

RSI with ICP

A
  • Preoxygenate
  • Administer a lidocaine bolus of 1 - 1.5 mg/kg.
  • Use two-man intubation to stabilize the head.
28
Q

What are the three ICP grades and its indications?

A

Mild:

  • pupils reactive
  • increased BP
  • Cheyne-Stokes respirations
  • headache
  • vomiting

Moderate:

  • widened pulse pressure
  • pupils sluggish
  • bradycardia
  • Kussmaul respirations
  • decerebrate posturing

Severe:

  • irregular bradycardic pulse
  • widened BP
  • Biot respirations
  • blown pupils unilaterally
  • decorticate posturing
29
Q

Define:

Babinski Reflex

A

The toes move upward in response to stimulation of the sole of the foot.

In normal circumstances, the toes move downward.

30
Q

What are the indications of Basilar skull fracture?

A
  • CSF drainage
  • raccoon eyes
  • battle signs

May show up 24 hours after injury.

31
Q

What are the primary and secondary injuries of a TBI?

A
  • Primary: injury from impact
  • Secondary: edema, ICP, cerebral ischemia after the injury
32
Q

What is the normal ICP?

A

0-15 mmHg

33
Q

Define:

brain herniation

A

The brain is forced through the foramen magnum.

34
Q

What are the indications of the Cushing’s triad?

A
  • Hypertension (widening pulse pressures)
  • Bradycardia
  • Irregular respirations
35
Q

What is a diffuse brain injury?

A

Injury that affects the entire brain.

36
Q

What causes a cerebral concussion?

A

When the brain is jarred in the cranial vault.

37
Q

Define:

Retrograde Amnesia

A

Inability to recall memories that were formed before the onset of amnesia.

38
Q

Define

Anterograde Amnesia

A

Inability to recall memories that were formed after the onset of amnesia.

39
Q

Define:

Diffuse Axonal Injury

DAI

A

Stretching of brain tissue from twisting motion at brainstem.

Typically caused from high-speed collision forces.

40
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of epidural hematoma?

A
  • LOC
  • wakes up, passes back out
41
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of subdural hematoma?

A
  • Slurred speech
  • Unilateral Hemiparesis

Venous bleed that takes longer to show signs/symptoms.

42
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of subarachnoid hematoma?

A
  • sudden severe headache
  • posturing
  • vomiting
  • decrease LOC
  • seizures
43
Q

Treatment:

exposed brain tissue

A

Cover with moist, sterile dressings.

44
Q

What are the complications of scalp lacerations?

A

serious blood loss

45
Q

What is the cause of flexion injuries?

A

Forward movement of neck.

46
Q

Define:

subluxation

A

Partial dislocation of the spinal column.

47
Q

What is the cause of vertical compression?

A

Forces transmitted through the spine from feet or head.

48
Q

What is the cause of hyperextension?

A

Head and neck extend backwards.

49
Q

What are the primary and secondary injuries of a spinal cord injury?

A
  • Primary: injury at impact
  • Secondary: edema after impact
50
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of Anterior Cord Syndrome?

A
  • Decreased movement.
  • Loss of sensation to touch, temperature, and pain.
51
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of Central Cord Syndrome?

A
  • Decreased sensation.
  • Loss of sensation to pain and temperature.
52
Q

What are the signs/symptoms of Posterior Cord Syndrome?

A

Loss of sensation to light, vibration, and perception of one’s body.

53
Q

Define:

Cauda Equina Syndrome

A

Compression of distal nerve roots.

Horse’s Tail

54
Q

Define:

Brown-Séquard Syndrome

A

Damage to hemisection of cord causing symptoms on one half of the lateral body.

55
Q

How should rapid extrication with C-spine precautions be performed?

A

Hold C-spine and extract in one full motion quickly.

56
Q

When do you remove a helmet with suspected spinal injury?

A
  • Remove if chin strap and helmet fail to hold head in line.
  • Prevents immobilization for transport.
  • Prevents adequate airway control.
57
Q

How do you treat C-Spine in the water?

A

Completely board and strap patient in water before moving to land.

58
Q

What is the formula for cerebral perfusion pressure?

CPP

A

CPP= (MAP)−(ICP)