Head Injuries Flashcards
(24 cards)
Introduction
Definition of concussion
“Sport related concussion is a traumatic brain injury induced by biomehanical forces”
Introduction
What do sport related concussions result in?
- 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
Introduction
The term “concussion”
The term “concussion”, meaning a bruising/contusion to the head, has been around from the 1400s
Introduction
Most concussions resolve in? Unless?
Most concussions resolve within 7-14 days, and neural imaging is usually normal, unless there is a bleed or fracture
Introduction
More serious “head injuries” may involve?
Some of the more serious “head injuries” may involve vascular and metabolic complications
Introduction
Concussion in recent years?
- 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
Introduction
Knocked out?
An athlete does not have to be knocked unconscious to have suffered a sport related concussion
Mechanism of Injury
Sport related concussion caused by?
“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”
Mechanism of Injury
Coup injury?
A coup injury means that the brain injury occurs on the side of the head directly underneath where the impact occurred
Mechanism of Injury
Coup injury - caused by?
This is usually caused by a direct blow/force to the head with a stationary object
Mechanism of Injury
Contrecoup injury?
A controcoup injury means the brain injury is sustained in an area opposite or away from the site of impact
Mechanism of Injury
Contrecoup injury - caused by?
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
Mechanism of Injury
Most common mechanism seen in sports?
Contrecoup
Signs and Symptoms
What does it depend on?
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
Signs and Symptoms
What can be immediately vs delayed?
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)
Signs and Symptoms
The suspected diagnosis of Sport Related Concussion can include on or more of the following clinical domains:
- 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
Signs and Symptoms
Assessment and diagnosis involves a?
The assessment and diagnosis of sport related concussion involves a number of different areas
Concussion Reconition Tool
What is it?
CRT6
Signs and Symptoms
A sport related concussion is suspected if ANY sign and symptom listed is present:
- Headache, nausea, dizziness, vertigo
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Cognitive dysfunction
- Memory and oriention problems (amnesia, orientation to person, place, time, and concentration)
Signs and Symptoms
Some more examples
- Pressure and swelling
- Low energy/fatigue
- Low mood and anxiety
- Sleep disorder
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Mood disturbance
Recovery
Concussions are?
Concussions are cumulative, especially if return to play is premature or rushed
Recovery
Concussions can lead to?
Concussions can lead to continued and severe problems
Recovery
Concussion is followed by?
A concussion is followed by complete (days to weeks) to partial degrees of brain recovery
Concussion Management
When a player demonstrates “ANY” signs and symptoms of concussion…
- 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
