Neurological Impairments

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Question 2

direct blow to the head resulting from collision with an external ob- ject, a fall, or a penetrating injury

Answer 2

Focal brain injury

Question 3

sudden deceleration of the body and head, possibly from a motor vehicle, bicycle, or skateboard accident or a fall from a high surface

Answer 3

Multifocal and diffuse brain injury

Question 4

Types of TBI

Answer 4

Focal brain injury

Multifocal and diffuse brain injury

Question 5

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.

Answer 5

Decorticate rigidity

Question 6

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.

Answer 6

Decerebrate rigidity

Question 7

a. Impaired righting reflexes observed with midbrain damage

b. Absence of equilibrium reactions and protective extension with basal ganglia damage

Answer 7

Primitive reflexes

Question 8

decrease in muscle strength without the presence of spasticity with pe- ripheral nerve or plexus injury

Answer 8

Muscle weakness

Question 9

decreased endurance and vital capacity accompany re- duced muscle strength as a result of medical complications (e.g., infection, poor nutrition, bedrest)

Answer 9

Decreased functional endurance

Question 10

abnormal movement resulting from cerebellum damage

Answer 10

Ataxia

Question 11

a. Primary: at the moment of impact

b. Secondary: several days to many weeks after injury

Answer 11

Stages of TBI

Question 12

____________ potentially resulting from increased muscle tone, volitional resistance, contractures, heterotopic ossification, fractures or dislocation, and pain

Answer 12

Limitations of joint motion

Question 13

They may have changes in what?

Answer 13

Sensations

Question 14

response: is completely unresponsive to any stimuli presented

Answer 14

Level I

Question 15

Generalized response: exhibits inconsistent and nonpurposeful reac- tions to stimuli

Answer 15

Level II

Question 16

Localized response: reacts specifically to stimuli, though inconsistently

Answer 16

Level III

Question 17

Confused/agitated: has heightened state of activity with severely de- creased ability to process information

Answer 17

Level IV

Question 18

Confused, inappropriate nonagitated: appears alert with fairly consis- tent reactions, although increased complexity of commands causes more ran- dom responses

Answer 18

Level V

Question 19

Confused, appropriate: exhibits goal-directed behavior but is depen- dent on external input for direction

Answer 19

Level VI

Question 20

Automatic/appropriate: behaves appropriately and is oriented to place and routine but frequently displays shallow recall

Answer 20

Level VII

Question 21

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.

Answer 21

Levels VIII-X