Neuropathology - Head injury and SOL Flashcards
What is contra-coup injury?
the brain bounces from the side of impact and ricochets off the opposite side, damaging both sides of the brain
What is diffuse axonal injury?
widespread disruption of axons due to shear and tensile strains affecting the axons at the time of injury
What are the possible serious consequences of DIA?
coma
vegetative state
How do sodium channels help to partially restore conduction after damage?
redistribution to demyelinated segments
What are some causes of raised ICP?
SOL oedema increased CSF increased venous volume hypoxia/hypercapnia
what effects does raised ICP have on the brain?
midline shift and herniations
distortion of CN’s and vital centres
reduced consciousness
impaired blood flow
What happens in subfalcine herniation?
cingulate gyrus is displaces under the fall cerebrum
Which artery is typically involved in subfalcine herniation?
ACA
What happens in uncle/tentorial herniation?
hippocampal uncus and parahippocampal gyrus herniate under the tentorium cerebelli
Which nerve is compressed in uncal herniation?
CN3 parasympathetic
pupil dilation
What happens in tonsils herniation?
displacement of cerebellar tonsils through foramen magnum
Why is tonsils herniation life threatening?
causes brainstem compression and compromises vital medullary respiratory centres
What happens in transcalvarium herniation?
a swollen brain will herniate thought any dura/skull defect
Which type of respiration is seen in transcalvarium herniation?
Cheyne-Stokes
What are some signs of raised ICP?
papilloedema
nausea and vomiting
headache
neck stiffness
