S10) Head Trauma and Acute Intracranial Events Flashcards
How can one classify different head injuries?
How can one classify different traumatic head injuries?
What is a cerebral contusion?
A cerebral contusion is the bruising of the brain whereby blood mixes with cortical tissue due to microhaemorrhages and small blood vessel leaks
In six steps, describe the pathophysiology of cerebral contusion
⇒ Trauma
⇒ Microhaemorrhages
⇒ Cerebral contusion
⇒ Cerebral oedema/Intracerebral bleed
⇒ Raised ICP
⇒ Coma
What is a concussion?
A concussion is a head injury with a temporary loss of brain function
In four steps, describe the pathophysiology of a concussion
⇒ Trauma
⇒ Stretching and injury to axons
⇒ Impaired neurotransmission, loss of ion regulation, ↓cerebral blood flow
⇒ Temporary brain dysfunction
Describe some features of post concussion syndrome
- Sleep disturbance
- Emotional/mood changes
- Thinking/remembering difficulties
- Physical symptoms (headaches, nausea, dizziness)
What is diffuse axonal injury?
Diffuse axonal injury is the shearing of the interface between grey and white matter following traumatic acceleration/deceleration or rotational injuries to the brain damaging the intra- cerebral axons and dendritic connections
In six steps, describe the pathophysiology of a diffuse axonal injury
⇒ Trauma
⇒ Shearing of grey and white matter interface
⇒ Axonal death
⇒ Cerebral oedema
⇒ Raised ICP
⇒ Coma
What is a basilar skull fracture?
A basilar skull fracture is a bony fracture within the base of skull (temporal, occipital, sphenoid or ethmoid bone)
In three steps, describe the pathophysiology of a basilar skull fracture
⇒ Trauma
⇒ Tears in the meninges
⇒ CSF leakage
Identify six signs of a basilar skull fracture
Outline the management for a basilar skull fracture
- Traumatic brain injury management (incl ICP control)
- Seek and treat complications
- Elevation of depressed skull fractures
- Persistent CSF leak management → surgery
Indicate the three factors which determine whether a traumatic head injury is mild, moderate or severe
How does an EDH present on a CT head scan?