trauma/acute care Flashcards
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist
What are the common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?
Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, especially at night
What physical exam tests are used to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome?
Tinel’s sign (tapping the wrist) and Phalen’s test (flexing the wrist)
What is the first-line treatment for mild carpal tunnel syndrome?
Wrist splinting, particularly at night, and activity modification
What is the role of corticosteroid injections in carpal tunnel syndrome?
Temporary relief of symptoms in moderate cases or those unresponsive to conservative treatment
What is the definitive treatment for severe or refractory carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel release surgery to decompress the median nerve
What are the risk factors for developing carpal tunnel syndrome?
Repetitive hand use, pregnancy, diabetes, hypothyroidism
How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed definitively?
Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
What is the typical prognosis after carpal tunnel release surgery?
Most patients experience significant symptom relief and functional improvement
What are the complications of untreated carpal tunnel syndrome?
Permanent nerve damage, muscle atrophy, and loss of hand function
What is an epidural hematoma?
A collection of blood between the dura mater and the skull, usually due to trauma
What artery is most commonly involved in an epidural hematoma?
middle meningeal artery
What is the typical presentation of an epidural hematoma?
Brief loss of consciousness followed by a lucid interval and then rapid neurological deterioration
What imaging is used to diagnose an epidural hematoma?
CT scan of the head showing a biconvex, hyperdense lesion
What is the initial treatment for an epidural hematoma?
Emergent neurosurgical evacuation (craniotomy) to relieve pressure
What are the potential complications of untreated epidural hematoma?
Brain herniation, coma, death
What is the hallmark finding of an epidural hematoma on a CT scan?
A lens-shaped (biconvex) collection of blood that does not cross suture lines
How does an epidural hematoma differ from a subdural hematoma?
Epidural hematomas are arterial bleeds and present with a lucid interval, while subdural hematomas are venous and have a slower onset
What is the prognosis of an epidural hematoma with timely treatment?
Good if treated promptly, with full recovery in many cases
What are the risk factors for developing an epidural hematoma?
Head trauma, particularly in younger individuals due to increased arterial vulnerability
What are the two main categories of brain tumors?
Primary brain tumors and metastatic brain tumors
What is the most common primary brain tumor in adults?
Glioblastoma multiforme
What is the most common benign brain tumor?
meningioma
What are the common symptoms of brain tumors?
Headache, seizures, focal neurological deficits, cognitive changes
What imaging is used to diagnose brain tumors?
MRI with contrast is the imaging modality of choice
What is the role of biopsy in brain tumor diagnosis?
To confirm the type and grade of the tumor for treatment planning