Trauma

Question 1

A patient suffers a severe blow to the head and expires 24 hours later. The brain is shown below. What is you diagnosis? What was on your differential. Differentiating factor?

Answer 1

Epidural hematoma; Epidural and subdural; Not subdural because the progression and death occurred quickly.

Question 2

Describe the pathogenesis of membrane formation around a subdural hematoma

Answer 2

Fibroblasts create a membrane on the vabarial side of the hematoma and then 2 weeks later form the inner membrane

Question 3

What are the three ways in which a subdural hematoma can evolve

Answer 3

1. Reabsorbtion w/ residual hemosiderin
2. Remain static, possibly calcify
3. Enlarge as a result of recurrent uhemorrhages

Question 4

What is the general time course before a hematoma results in Syx?

Answer 4

W/i 6 months

Question 5

What is a concussion?

Answer 5

Transient loss of consciousness caused by biomechanical foces acting on central nervous system

Question 6

What are coup and contrecoup injuries? How does a patient get each?

Answer 6

They are both cerebral contusions. Coups occur when a stationary head is hit with an object (Baseball bat). Brain hits at point of impact. Contrecoups occur when the head is moving and abruptly stops (falls). Brain hits point opposite of impact.

Question 7

Other than direct injury, what are other factors that contribute to damage to the brain in penetrating brain injury?

Answer 7

There is also an increase in intracranial pressure that can cause immediate herniation

Question 8

Are the effects of a spinal cord concussion considered reversible?

Answer 8

Yes

Question 9

What spinal cord necrosis and edema called?

Answer 9

Myelomalacia

Question 10

What is a hematoma within the spinal cord called?

Answer 10

Hematomyelia