Head Trauma Flashcards
what is a cerebral contusion
where micro haemorrhages occur at the site of impact of the brain on the skull leading to a mixing of blood with cortical tissue
what results from a cerebral contusion
cerebral oedema, raised ICP and coma
what is a coup contusion
contusion at the site of direct impact
what is a contre-coup contusion
contusion at the opposite side of the impact due to the brain bouncing off the other side
what is a concussion
trauma causing stretching giving injury to axons to cause impaired neurotransmission. this gives a reduced cerebral blood flow causing temporary dysfunction
what is diffuse axonal injury
where connections between grey and white matter are torn apart leading to axonal death
what does diffuse axonal injury result in
cerebral oedema, raised ICP and coma
what is a basilar skull fracture
where the bones making up the base of the skull are fractured causing a tear in the meninges
what bones make up the base of the skull
occipital, temporal, sphenoid and ethmoid
what are the symptoms of a basilar skull fracture
raccoon eyes, battle’s sign, CSF rhinorrhea/otorrhea
when are urgent CTs given
patients over 65 if the patient takes anticoagulants if there is amnesia over 30 minutes if GCS drops below 13 at any point if GCS remains below 14
what is an extradural haemorrhage
collection of blood between the periosteal dura mater and inner surface the skull
what vessel is typically affected in an extradural haemorrhage
middle meningeal artery
what will be seen on CT in an extradural haemorrhage
lemon/biconvex shape
compressed ventricles
midline shift
what colour will acute and chronic bleeds be on CT
acute - bright white
chronic - dark
