Test #2 Flashcards
Upper Motor Neuron lesion vs Lower Motor Neuron lesion
Upper motor neuron lesions may have both ipsilateral and contralateral manifestations due to decussation in the pyramids
Lower motor neurons are entirely ipsilateral
Bell’s Palsy is a LMN lesion
Extremely high CPK DDx
Muscular dystrophy
Thyroid disease
Complete lesion
Total or partial extremity loss
Paraplegia, quadriplegia
Incomplete lesion:
Anterior cord syndrome
Central cord syndrome
Brown-Sequard Syndrome
Depends on the part of the cord injured
Anterior = flexion injury; lose motor, pain, temperature
Central = ischemia or hemorrhage; UE affected more than LE
- reverse paraplegia
Brown-Sequard = penetrating injury on one side causes motor loss to that side and sensory loss on the other side
DTR’s and nerve roots
Biceps: C5, C6
Brachioradialis: C6
Triceps: C7
Patellar: L4
Achilles: S1
Muscular Dystrophy
Progressive loss of muscle tissue
Causes progressive weakness, drooling, ptosis, problems walking
Concussion Pathophysiology
Neuronal depolarization with excitatory neurotransmitters released - potassium and calcium influx
Get impaired glucose metabolism, cerebral blood flow, axonal function
Initial TBI Evaluation
Mental status: Orientation, concentration/cognition, memory
Gait and balance assessment: Rhomberg
Concussion Signs of an Emergency
Increasing HA
N/V
Progressive consciousness impairment
Gradual BP rise
Diminution pulse rate
Blown pupil
Disorientation
Emergent TBI Referrals
Suspected hematoma
C-spine injury
Worsening LOC
Focal motor weakness
Transient quadriparesis
Seizure
TBI Non-Emergent Referrals
Persistent HA >7days
Post-concussion syndrome >2 weeks
Abnormal neuropsych testing
Hx multiple, high-grade concussions
USE YOUR CLINICAL JUDGEMENT
Disorders that concussions may mimic
Substance Abuse/Dependency
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Suicidal Ideation/Tendencies
Depression/Mood Disorders
Impulse Control
Indications for Emergent Transfer to ER (Athletic injuries)
LOC
Possible C-spine deformity or skull fracture
High risk for ICH
Post-traumatic seizure
Worsening mental status
Mild Concussion Treatment
Physical and Cognitive (no TV/phone) rest
- allow to sleep
Avoid NSAIDs 1st 48 hours post-injury
No recreational activity w/ head injury risk until healed
Return to Play/Rule of 3’s
Return to play according to where they are on rule of threes
May slowly work up to full contact with several baby steps to put off full contact
Rule of 3’s
1 concussion = sit out rest of the game
2 concussions = sit out rest of season
3 concussions = end of that sport
Second Impact Syndrome
Metabolic cascade causing sudden, severe swelling
May be minor or worsen to mental status which will progress to death
Post-Concussive Syndrome
Chronic cognitive and behavioral symptoms following injury
Can take months to recover, watch for depression
Sx: HA, fatigue, sleep issues, emotional and concentration problems, dizziness
Tx: Physical and Cognitive rest, physical therapy
No long-term issues once healed
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy
Progressive degenerative disorder in pts w/ hx of multiple concussions or head injuries
Sx: Memory loss, confusion, impaired judgement, paranoia, impulse control, aggression, depression, progressive dementia
Can only Dx on autopsy -> Tau protein in the brain
Dysarthria
Problems with the muscles that produce speech
Dysconjugate gaze
Failure of the eyes to turn together in the same direction
Apraxia
Difficulty with the motor planning to perform tasks of movement when asked
Do they know how to start? Can they follow two-step instructions
Dystaxia
Lack of muscle coordination
Agnosia
Inability to process sensory information
Loss of ability to recognize objects, persons, sounds, shapes, smells
FAST campaign
Facial droop
Arm weakness
Speech difficulties
Time to call 911
Brainstem Cranial Nerves Housed:
Midbrain: 3,4
Pons: 5,6,7,8
Medulla: 9,10,11,12
TBI Features that indicate ICH
Worsening HA
Confusion
Lethargy
Diffuse Axonal Injury
Indirect trauma
Axonal neurofilament disruption causing impaired thought and axonal swelling
-Shaken baby syndrome, severe whiplash
Reading a Head CT scan
Look at cranial contours
Look for lesions; type and location
Look to see if cisterns are open or closed
Check for midline shift
Acute blood = white, older blood is darker
Open Skull Fracture
Overlying scalp lac with disrupted dura OR
Fracture through a paranasal sinus or middle ear
Life-threatening Headache DDx
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Bacterial meningitis
Cerebral ischemia
Subdural hematoma
Brain tumor
Decorticate posture indicates damage in:
Cerebrum
Internal capsule
Thalamus
Decerebrate posturing indicates damage in:
Uncal herniation -> brainstem damage
Poor prognosis