Traumatic Brain Injuries Flashcards
what type of head injury is initial damage that results from trauma to the head
primary head injury
what type of head injury evolves from minutes to days after the initial injury resulting from decreased metabolism & oxygenation
secondary head injury
what are the 2 types of primary brain injuries
open or closed trauma
what is the difference between open and closed trauma brain injuries
open trauma - brain is exposed
closed - skull remains intact
what type of skull fracture is a simple clean break; 80% of fractures
linear
what type of skull fracture is the bone pressed inward; associated with hemorrhage
depressed
what type of skull fracture does the bone shatter; associated w/ hemorrhage
comminuted/compound
what type of skull fracture is a the base of the skull
basilar
with what type of skull fracture would you see battles sign, periorbital edema, & rhino/otorrhea
basilar fracutre
what is ecchymosis in the mastoid area associated w/ a basilar fracture
battles sign
what are the 2 types of closed head trauma
concussion
contusion
what is the difference between a concussion and a contusion
concussion has a temporary loss of consciousness
what is it called when there is bruising at the side of impact with a concussion
coup injury
what is it called when there is bruising at the side opposite of impact with a concussion
contra-coup injury
what are some signs of concussion
LOC amnesia confusion imbalance personality changes
what are some symptoms of concussion
headache
dizziness
N/V
vision changes
what type of injury includes hemorrhages & the hematomas they cause
secondary brain injury
what is a space occupying lesion that can cause increased ICP
hematoma
what are hematomas classified by
location
which type of hematoma tears the dura from the skull
epidural
which type of hematoma is associated w/ skull fractures, contusions
epidural
which type of hematoma requires emergency surgery or the pt will die
epidural
which type of hematoma is associated with closed head injuries, anticoagulants
subdural
which type of hematoma is often a sudden onset r/t htn, trauma
intracerebral
what are some ways to decrease ICP
avoid suction/noxious stimuli
osmotic diuretics
sedatives (propafol)
hyperventilation
what type of blood does hyperventilation cause
alkalosis
what type of fluid therapy is used to maintain cerebral perfusion
isotonic - NS
what 2 meds are given to maintain adequate BP with increased ICP
dopamine
diltiazem
what does dopamine do to BP
increase it
what does diltiazem do to BP
decrease it
which drug is given to prevent seizures in pts w/ increased ICP
dilantin
brain death or vegetative state:
irreversible, no reflex activity, apnea w/o vent, dolls eyes
brain death
brain death or vegetative state:
can breath alone, + cranial nerve function, + reflexes
vegetative state
