Lecture 9: Concussion Flashcards
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
a progressive degenerative disease caused by multiple concussions and other closed-head injuries
characterized by neurofibrillary tangles, plaques, and cerebral atrophy and expanded ventricles due to cell loss
Concussion
a common term for mild traumatic brain injury
Tau Protein
a protein abundant in the CNS that stabilizes microtubules within neurons
high levels in fluid bathing the brain are linked to poor recovery after head trauma
accumulation in brain tissue is a sign of dementia
Coup
a bruise (confusion) at the site of a blow to the head incurred where the brain has been compacted by the skull bone pushing inward
Contrecoup
a brain injury caused when a blow to the head impels the brain to strike the skull opposite the primary blow
Shearing
a process in which microscopic lesions on nerve fibers throughout the brain, especially in the frontal and temporal lobes, result from twisting movement caused by a traumatic blow to the head
twisting and shearing may also damage major fiber tracks, especially those crossing the midline
Hematoma
a local swelling or tumor filled with effused blood
Edema
an abnormal accumulation of fluid in intercellular spaces of the body
Coma
a state of deep unconsciousness due to brain injury or disease
What are the four purposes for a neuropsychological exam?
discriminating psychiatric and neurological symptoms
can give information regarding a patient’s cognitive status and personality characteristics
rehabilitation and treatment evaluation and planning
research related to the study of the organization of brain activity and its translation into behavior
What are common populations for neuropsychological exams?
neurological illnesses and injuries
neurodevelopmental disorders
medical illness
toxin exposure
learning disabilities
behavioral and psychiatric conditions
In what why do neuropsychological exams discriminate psychiatric and neurological symptoms?
PTSD vs MTBI
both may have similar symptoms but are treated differently
In what why do neuropsychological exams provide information about a patient’s cognitive status/personality characteristics?
day to day functioning: the self-perception vs reality difference
ability to meet task demands
OCPD and the workplace: assessment can help understand what types of jobs suit people best
In what why do neuropsychological exams aid in rehabilitation and treatment evaluation and planning?
the purpose of rehabilitation: what cognitive supports does patient need? what psychological supports?
barriers to rehabilitation: understanding behaviors/issues that impact a patient’s engagement
defined outcomes: expectations about improvement/timing
In what why do neuropsychological exams aid in research related to the study of the organization of brain activity?
recovery from brain injury/strike
example: restraint therapy after stroke
research in the neurosciences
example: assessment of cognitive functioning in driver’s evaluations in seniors