Neurological Impairments Flashcards
damage to the brain from an external mechanical or blunt force accompanied by a loss of consciousness, posttraumatic amnesia, skull fracture, or other unfavorable neurological findings attributed to the event through a diagnostic process involving neurological testing, computed tomography scan, X-rays, or other physical exami- nation.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
direct blow to the head resulting from collision with an external ob- ject, a fall, or a penetrating injury
Focal brain injury
sudden deceleration of the body and head, possibly from a motor vehicle, bicycle, or skateboard accident or a fall from a high surface
Multifocal and diffuse brain injury
Types of TBI
Focal brain injury
Multifocal and diffuse brain injury
Upper extremities are in spastic flexed position with internal rota- tion and adduction. Lower extremities are in spastic extended position, internally ro- tated, and adducted.
Decorticate rigidity
Upper and lower extremities are in spastic extension, adduction, and internal rotation. Wrist and fingers flex, plantar portions of the feet flex and invert, the trunk extends, and the head retracts.
Decerebrate rigidity
a. Impaired righting reflexes observed with midbrain damage
b. Absence of equilibrium reactions and protective extension with basal ganglia damage
Primitive reflexes
decrease in muscle strength without the presence of spasticity with pe- ripheral nerve or plexus injury
Muscle weakness
decreased endurance and vital capacity accompany re- duced muscle strength as a result of medical complications (e.g., infection, poor nutrition, bedrest)
Decreased functional endurance
abnormal movement resulting from cerebellum damage
Ataxia
a. Primary: at the moment of impact
b. Secondary: several days to many weeks after injury
Stages of TBI
____________ potentially resulting from increased muscle tone, volitional resistance, contractures, heterotopic ossification, fractures or dislocation, and pain
Limitations of joint motion
They may have changes in what?
Sensations
response: is completely unresponsive to any stimuli presented
Level I
Generalized response: exhibits inconsistent and nonpurposeful reac- tions to stimuli
Level II
Localized response: reacts specifically to stimuli, though inconsistently
Level III
Confused/agitated: has heightened state of activity with severely de- creased ability to process information
Level IV
Confused, inappropriate nonagitated: appears alert with fairly consis- tent reactions, although increased complexity of commands causes more ran- dom responses
Level V
Confused, appropriate: exhibits goal-directed behavior but is depen- dent on external input for direction
Level VI
Automatic/appropriate: behaves appropriately and is oriented to place and routine but frequently displays shallow recall
Level VII
Purposeful and appropriate: is alert and oriented and able to re- call and integrate past and recent events. Each level (VIII, IX, and X) represents a decreasing need for assistance with routine daily living skills.
Levels VIII-X
