Head Injuries Flashcards

1
Q

Introduction

Definition of concussion

A

“Sport related concussion is a traumatic brain injury induced by biomehanical forces”

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2
Q

Introduction

What do sport related concussions result in?

A
  • Rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurological function that resolves spontaneously
  • In some cases, signs and symptoms may evolve over a number of minutes to hours
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3
Q

Introduction

The term “concussion”

A

The term “concussion”, meaning a bruising/contusion to the head, has been around from the 1400s

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4
Q

Introduction

Most concussions resolve in? Unless?

A

Most concussions resolve within 7-14 days, and neural imaging is usually normal, unless there is a bleed or fracture

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5
Q

Introduction

More serious “head injuries” may involve?

A

Some of the more serious “head injuries” may involve vascular and metabolic complications

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6
Q

Introduction

Concussion in recent years?

A
  • Concussion has long been a part of sport, especially contact sports
  • It is only in the last few years that new research showing the potential consequences from head/brain injury that sport related concussion has become prominent in the media
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7
Q

Introduction

Knocked out?

A

An athlete does not have to be knocked unconscious to have suffered a sport related concussion

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8
Q

Mechanism of Injury

Sport related concussion caused by?

A

“Sport related concussion may be caused either by a direct blow to the head, face, neck, or elsewhere on the body that causes an impulsive force to be transmitted to the head”

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9
Q

Mechanism of Injury

Coup injury?

A

A coup injury means that the brain injury occurs on the side of the head directly underneath where the impact occurred

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10
Q

Mechanism of Injury

Coup injury - caused by?

A

This is usually caused by a direct blow/force to the head with a stationary object

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11
Q

Mechanism of Injury

Contrecoup injury?

A

A controcoup injury means the brain injury is sustained in an area opposite or away from the site of impact

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12
Q

Mechanism of Injury

Contrecoup injury - caused by?

A

This injury is usually caused by an indirect blow/force such as a punch to the jaw, a whiplash mechanism, or fall on the buttocks or feet from a height

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13
Q

Mechanism of Injury

Most common mechanism seen in sports?

A

Contrecoup

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14
Q

Signs and Symptoms

What does it depend on?

A

There are numerous signs and symptoms of a brain injury, depending on where the trauma (swelling/bleeding) is in the brain and how bad it is

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15
Q

Signs and Symptoms

What can be immediately vs delayed?

A

Some of the signs and symptoms may come on immediately (significant swelling or arterial bleed) whereas others may be delayed (slow swelling or venous bleed)

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16
Q

Signs and Symptoms

The suspected diagnosis of Sport Related Concussion can include on or more of the following clinical domains:

A
  • Symptoms: somatic (headache), cognitive (feeling like in a fog), and/or emotional symptoms (lability)
  • Physical signs: loss of consciousness, amnesia, neurological deficit
  • Balance impairment: gait unsteadiness
  • Behavioural changes: irritabiliy
  • Cognitive impairment: slowed reaction times
  • Sleep/wake disturbance: somnolence, drowsiness
17
Q

Signs and Symptoms

Assessment and diagnosis involves a?

A

The assessment and diagnosis of sport related concussion involves a number of different areas

18
Q

Concussion Reconition Tool

What is it?

A

CRT6

19
Q

Signs and Symptoms

A sport related concussion is suspected if ANY sign and symptom listed is present:

A
  • Headache, nausea, dizziness, vertigo
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Cognitive dysfunction
  • Memory and oriention problems (amnesia, orientation to person, place, time, and concentration)
20
Q

Signs and Symptoms

Some more examples

A
  • Pressure and swelling
  • Low energy/fatigue
  • Low mood and anxiety
  • Sleep disorder
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Mood disturbance
21
Q

Recovery

Concussions are?

A

Concussions are cumulative, especially if return to play is premature or rushed

22
Q

Recovery

Concussions can lead to?

A

Concussions can lead to continued and severe problems

23
Q

Recovery

Concussion is followed by?

A

A concussion is followed by complete (days to weeks) to partial degrees of brain recovery

24
Q

Concussion Management

When a player demonstrates “ANY” signs and symptoms of concussion…

A
  • They are never allowed to return to play on the day of the incident or while they are symptomatic
  • The athlete should be medically evaluated following injury
  • The athlete should not be left alone and should be constantly monitored for deterioration
  • Return to play must follow medically supervised steps within a minimum of 24 hours before the next progression
  • The athlete only proceeds to the next level if they are asymptomatic