Neck Emergencies Flashcards
what are some examples of penetrating neck injuries/emergencies
stab wounds, gun shot wounds, motor vehicle accident, industrial/household accident
what are some examples of blunt neck injuries/emergencies
motor vehicle accident, sports injuries
what group of people are neck emergencies most common in
males > females
adolescents and young adults
what us important in the history of neck injury/emergency
mechanism of injury, pain(SOCRATES), aerodigestive tract(dyspnoea, haemoptysis etc.), CNS problems
what are the different sections pf the neck broken down into
Zone I, Zone II and Zone III
what parts of the neck are included in Zone I
trachea, oesophagus, thoracic duct, thyroid, vessels, spinal cord
what vessels are included in Zone I of the neck
brachiocephalic, subclavian, common carotid, thyrocervical trunk
what parts of the neck are included in Zone II
larynx, hypopharynx, CN 10, 11, 12, carotids and internal jugular vessels, spinal cord
what different parts of the neck are included in Zone III
pharynx, cranial nerves, carotids, internal jugular vein, vertebral vessels, spinal cord
in what cases is urgent exploration of neck injury needed
expanding haematoma, hypovolaemic shock, airway obstruction, blood in aerodigestive tract
describe what a deep neck space infection is
extension of infection from the tonsil or oropharynx into deeper tissue
what clinical features are associated with deep neck space infection
sore throat, unwell, limited neck movement(which don’t get with tonsillitis)
what is seen on examination of deep neck space infection
febrile(fever), trismus, red/tender neck
what is involved in the management of deep neck space infections
admission, IV access/bloods, fluid rehydration, IV antibiotics(eg co-amoxiclav/clindamycin)
may need incision and drainage if doesn’t improve or is small
where may deep space neck infection spread to
may spread to mediastinum
