Head Injury & GCS

Question 1

What is the equation to calculate CPP (cerebral perfusion pressure)?

Answer 1

Mean arterial pressure (MAP) - intracranial pressure (ICP)

Question 2

What cerebral perfusion pressure should be aimed for following head injury?

Answer 2

> 60mmHg

Question 3

What is the normal ICP in an adult?

Answer 3

9-11 mmHg

Question 4

What clinical signs occur in a skull fracture of the:

1. anterior fossa
2. middle fossa

Answer 4

1. ‘Racoon/panda’ eyes

2. ‘Battle sign’ over mastoid area

Question 5

What are the GCS scores for eye involvement?

Answer 5

1. Eyes don’t open
2. Eyes open in response to pain
3. Eyes open in response to voice
4. Eyes open spontaneously

Question 6

What are the GCS scores for voice involvement?

Answer 6

1. No sound
2. Incomprehensible sound
3. Inappropriate words
4. Confused, disoriented
5. Oriented, converses normally

Question 7

What are the GCS scores for motor involvement?

Answer 7

1. No movement
2. Extension to pain
3. Abnormal flexion to pain
4. Flexion/withdrawal to pain
5. Localizes pain
6. Obeys commands

Question 8

What is a coma in relation to the GCS?

Answer 8

Score of 8 or less