Trauma Review (Epidural Hematoma, Shock Patho) Flashcards
A tear in the MIDDLE MENINGEAL ARTERY (temporal region) and bleeding between the Dura and the skull is an?
Epidural Hematoma
S&S of Epidural Hematoma?
- Head trauma with LOC
- Lucid interval (temporary improvement in pt condition then RAPIDLY deteriorates)
- Increased ICP within minutes to hours, rapid death
From outermost to innermost, what is the correct order of meninges around the brain?
Scalp
Periosteum
Skull
Dura Mater
Arachnoid Mater
Pia Mater
Cerebral Cortex
Location of Subdural Hematoma?
b/w dura & arachnoid
Location of Extra/Epidural Hematoma?
b/w skull and dura
Location of Subarachnoid Hematoma?
b/w arachnoid and pia
Location of Intracerebral Hematoma?
Directly into brain tissues
What is more common than epidural hematomas, is associated with VENOUS BLEEDS (slow accumulation of blood), and associated with injury to underlying brain tissues?
Subdural Hematoma
Are subdural hematomas acute or sub-acute?
Could be both
Acute - within 24 hours
Sub-acute - within a week or so
Which population is at higher risk for sustaining subdural hematomas?
Alcoholics and elderly on blood thinners (brain atrophy in elderly allows more space for hematoma to develop
S&S of Subdural Hematoma?
Headaches, LOC change, slurred speech
Patho of Hematomas?
- All of them lead to increased ICP (bleeding puts pressure on tissues)
- When blood accumulated slowly, it undergoes hemolysis (destruction of RBC)
- Fluid in area of accumulation exerts osmotic pressure (draws more water in)
General S&S of Head Injuries?
- Seizures
- Cranial nerve impairment
- Otorrhea or Rhinorrhea (leak of CSF from ear/nose)
- Otorrhagia (blood from ears)
- Fever (hypothalamus impairment or infection)
Signs of Basal Skull Fracture?
- Raccoon eyes (bilateral periorbital ecchymosis)
- Ottorhea (CSF from ears)
- Rhinnorhea (CSF from nose)
- Mastoid bruising (Battle’s sign)
