Pathology of Head Injury Flashcards
What is the primary insult of head injury?
Focal/diffuse brain trauma
What are the secondary insults of brain injury?
Hypotension, hypoxia, infection and haematoma
What is used to initially assess the severity of the head injury?
Glasgow coma scale:
Mild: 13-15
Moderate: 9-12
Severe: 3-8
What are the significant consequences of head injuries?
Permanent physical disability, post traumatic epilepsy, intracranial infection, psychiatric illness, chronic subdural haemorrhage, ‘punch-drunk’ dementia and fatality (uncommon)
What are the three most common causes of injury?
Accidental, homicidal and natural disease
What is the cause of a linear skull fracture?
Blow or fall onto the top or side of the head
What is a depressed skull fracture?
When skull fragments are pushed inwards damaging the structures underneath
What is a comminuted skull fracture?
A fragmented skull with a mosaic pattern
What is a ring fracture?
Fracture line encircling the foramen magnum caused by a fall from a height, usually landing on the feet and causing the skull base and cervical spine to be forced together
What is a contre-coup fracture?
Fracturing of the orbital plates (anterior fossa) due to a fall onto the back of the head
What happens if an increase in intracranial pressure is left untreated?
It will ultimately cause death due to compression of the brainstem caused by herniation of the cerebellar tonsils into foramen magnum
Which artery is the most common cause of an extradural haemorrhage?
Middle meningeal artery
Which vessels commonly cause a subdural haemorrhage?
Bridging veins
What is the cause of a Traumatic basal SAH?
Forceful impact to the upper part of the side of the neck causing an abrupt rotational movement of the head leading to rupture of the vertebra-basilar circulation
How is traumatic diffuse axonal injury confirmed?
Microscopy of the brain tissue
