Head trauma Flashcards
Basilar skull
Floor of skull
Purpose of CSF
(2)
- protects brain/spinal column against impact
- Combating infection
Meninges Layers
(4)
- Dura Mater
- Archnoid
- Subarachnoid space
- Pia Mater
Epidural bleed
Bleeding between Dura Mater and skull
Subdural bleed
Bleeding beneath the Dura Mater
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Bleeding between the arachnoid membrane and surface of brain
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3 Parts of brain
- Cerebrum (conscious/sensory, emotions, personality)
- Cerebellum (Muscle activity, equilibrium, reflexs)
- Brainstem (Automatic functions, connects brain to spinal cord)
Cushings reflex
- Increased SBP
- Decreased HR
3.abnormal breathing
Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
Shearing, tearing, and stretching of nerve fibers
Concussion
- Temporary los of the brains ability to function
- A Mild DAI
Contusion
Brain injury
Bruising or swelling of the brain
Hematoma
Brain injury
Pooling of blod within the brain
Laceration
Brain injury
Tearing of the brain tissue
Coup/contrecoup
damage at point of blow to the head AND/OR damage on oppisite the blow
Subderal hematoma
Blood between Dura Mater and Arachnoid Layer
Decorticate posturing
- Flexion Posturing
- flex arms across chest and extend legs
- Indicates upper-level brain injury
Decerebrate Posturing
- Extension Posturing
- extends arms to sides, extends legs, arches back
- Indicating a lower level brainstem injury
BAD NEWS BEARS
GCS Score and head injury severity
14 - 15 = Mild
9 - 13 = Moderate
3 - 8 = Severe
Ecchymosis
Define
- Bruise type discoloration around the eyes and behind the ears. often happens with basilar skull fractures
Primary brain injury
Results from what?
- Results from durect impact, acceleration/deceleration, or a penetrating wound
What are the two most critical conditions to prevent with a secondary brain injury
- Hypotension
- Hypoxemia
Brain herniation
Define
- Increased ICP eventually leads to the brain being pushed through the base of the skull
Cushings reflex
indicates what?
- Brain herniation
If the pt has a subdural, epideral herniation, or brain laceration but the BP is dropping, pulse pressure is narrowing, and HR is increasing you should supect what?
Pt is bleeding somewhere else also
How do you distinguish spinal fluid leaking from the ears or nose VS tears or snot?
- Use the glucometer and see if theres glucose in the fluid. cerebrospinal fluid has about half the glucose reading thats in the blood
Diplopia
Define
- Double vision
Retrograde amnesia
Define
- The patient is unable to remember circumstances leading to the incident
Anterograde amnesia
Define
- The patient is unable to remember circumstances after the incident
