Trauma Flashcards
Epidural hematoma is classically due to________
Fracture of the temporal bone with rupture of the middle meningeal artery
How does the lesion of a epidural hematoma from the fracture of the temporal bone appear on CT?
Lens-shaped lesion on CT
What is a lethal complication of epidural hematoma?
Herniation
What causes a subdural hematoma?
Tearing of the bridging veins that lie between the dura and arachnoid
Usually arises due to trauma
How does a subdural hematoma due to tearing of bridging veins appear on CT?
Crescent shaped lesion on CT
What population has an increased rate of subdural hematoma due to torn brdiging veins? Why?
The elderly due to age related cerebral atrophy which stretches the bridging veins
What is a lethal complication of subdural hematoma?
herniation
What is herniation of the brain?
Displacement of brain tissue due to mass effect or increased intracranial pressure
What is tonsillar herniation?
Displacement of the cerebellar tonsils into the foramen magnum
What structure can be compressed due to a tonsillar herniation and what complication can that lead to?
Compression of the brain stem leads to cardiopulmonary arrest
What is subfalcine herniation?
Displacement of the cingulate gyrus under the falx cerebri
What structure is compressed in subfalcine herniation? What complication does that lead to?
Compression of the anterior cerebral artery leading to infarction
What is an uncal herniation?
Displacement of the temporal lobe uncus under the tentorium cerebelli
What structures are compressed in uncal herniation and their respective complications?
Compression of CN III leads to the eye moving down and out
Compression of posterior cerebral artery leads to infarction of occipital lobe (contralateral homonymous hemianopsia)
What structure is ruptured by an uncal herniation and what is its complication?
Rupture of the paramedian artery leads to Duret (brainstem) hemorrhage
