Topic 2 - injury mechanisms

Question 1

what is the definition of a mild TBI

Answer 1

rapid onset neuronal dysfunction that often resolves in a spontaneous manner over a few days/weeks

Question 2

when is someone deemed “delayed recovery”

Answer 2

over 28 days

Question 3

what is the most studied area of head impacts

Answer 3

automotive industry

Question 4

an impact that occurs in line with one of the planes (x, y, z) will result in what

Answer 4

purely linear impact (rare)

Question 5

what injury comes from a linear impact

Answer 5

coup-contrecoup injury
(coup = initial, contrecoup = subsequent)
- brain bounced inside the skull and can damage multiple areas

Question 6

what is the mechanism for most concussions

Answer 6

combination of linear and rotational impacts (impact at an angle)

Question 7

is the brain more sensitive to linear or rotational forces

Answer 7

rotational
- brain tissue readily deforms with shear forces associated with rotational acceleration throughout the brain
- high potential to cause greater tissue damage / brainstem damage

Question 8

what are the 3 types of forces that can damage axons and microtubules

Answer 8

1. tensional forces (stretching)
2. rotational forces (twisting)
3. shearing forces

Question 9

are clinical recovery and physiological recovery the same

Answer 9

NO

Question 10

where in the brain are the biomechanical forces imparted

Answer 10

onto neurons and glia
can damage the delicate and complex microstructural components

Question 11

what type of force do axons have increased vulnerability to

Answer 11

biomechanical stretching