Head Injury Flashcards
Trauma which can occur to the head
Laceration, skull fractures, extradural haematoma, subdural haematoma, contusion, ventricular blood pooling
Types of skull fractures
Mostly undisplaced linear fractures, can be depressed fractures
What can fragments of bone do to the brain
Can push down on certain areas leading to neurological deficit. Or tear in the dura leading to intracranial infections.
What is a contusion
Bleeding in the brain in context of trauma
Types of brain oedema
Vasogenic, cytotoxic and interstitial
What is vasogenic oedema
Extracellular accumulation of fluid resulting from disruption of the BBB and extravasations of serum proteins
What is cytotoxic oedema
Characterised by cell swelling caused by intracellular accumulation of fluid, usually after brain ischaemia
What is interstitial oedema
Results from the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid from the intraventricular space to the interstitial areas pf the brain. From hydrocephalus or meningitis
Which two brain injuries usually go together
Subdural and contusion
What is Kernohan’s notch phenomenon
Ipsilateral hemiplegia caused by compression of the contralateral cerebral peduncle against the tentorial edge by a supratentorial mass
What is an orbital blow out fracture
Superior border of the maxillary sinus fractures and traps fat and extraocular muscles of the eye
What are the symptoms of an orbital blow out fracture
Diplopia but normal visual acuity. Can become necrotic so is an emergency
What are ‘sun setting’ eyes
Sclera is seen above the iris in the eye caused by raised ICP in children
What is pituitary apoplexy
Bleeding inside a benign tumour of the pituitary. When the pituitary is damaged the tumour suddenly emerges
What is Terson syndrome
intraocular hemorrhage associated with SAH, intracerebral hemorrhage, or traumatic brain injury.
