Head Trauma

Question 1

What are S&S of skull fractures?

Answer 1

Facial paralysis, battle’s sign (bruising over mastoid process), bilateral periorbital ecchymosis (raccoon eyes)
Rhinorrhea or Otorrhea indicates that a fracture has transferred the dura (leaking fluid should be to determine if it is CSF)

Question 2

Define scalp lacerations

Answer 2

most minor form of head trauma, scalp is highly vascular, profuse bleeding. Risk for infection

Question 3

What are the defining factors of a diffuse concussion

Answer 3

A sudden transient mechanical head injury with disruption of neural activity and a change in level of consciousness (LOC)
Brief disruption in LOC
Amnesia
Headache
Short duration

Question 4

When can post concussion syndrome occur?
What are the S&S?

Answer 4

2 weeks to 2 months post injury.
Persistent headache, lethargy, personality/behaviour changes shortened attention span, decreased short term memory, changes in intellectual functioning

Question 5

What is a diffuse axonal injury?
What are the manifestations?

Answer 5

Widespread axonal damage following mild, moderate or severe TBI
Decreased LOC
Increased ICP
Decortication, decerebration
Global cerebral edema

Question 6

Define cerebral laceration

Answer 6

tearing of brain tissue, often occurs in association with depressed and open fractures and penetrating injuries. Intracerebral hemorrhage generally associated with cranial laceration.
Surgical repair is impossible, prognosis poor with large lacerations

Question 7

What is a cerebral contusion?

Answer 7

bruising of brain tissue within a focal area that maintains the integrity of the pia mater and arachnoid layers

Question 8

Define epidural hematoma

Answer 8

epidural hematoma results from bleeding between the dura and the inner surface of the skull, is a neurological emergency. Can be of venous or arterial origin