Traumatic Brain Injury Flashcards
what are some clinical signs of direct head trauma ?
bruises \+/-skin laceration skull fracture closed injury open injury extradural haematoma
what are some clinical signs of indirect head trauma ?
No bruises Subdural hematoma Traumatic SAH Contusion IVH Diffuse Axonal Injury
what are the main causes of head trauma ?
RTAs Physical assault Falls Sport related injuries Suicidal attempts Gun shot injuries
what are some symptoms of head trauma ?
Headache Nauzea Vomiting Dizziness Hemiparesis Seizure Double vision Cranial nerve/s palsy Ataxia Slurred speech Dysarthria Unresponsiveness Unconciousness Irregular breathing Unequal pupils Respiratory / Cardiac arrest
what will the symptoms depend on ?
the area of the brain affected
what type of head trauma will an extradural haematoma be seen ?
direct
what is an open jury of the head?
when the skin and skull is open and the dura or brain can be seen
state 6 types of haematoma that can occur with closed head injuries
Extradural Subdural Traumatic SAH Contusion IVH DAI
when would an interventricuar haemorrhage be seen?
in extreme trauma or when a baby has been shaken
what does GCS stand for?
glasgow coma score
between - contusion - subdural haematoma - extra dural haematoma which one is the worse and will deteriorate the fastest?
extra dural
what are the four treatment options for head trauma ?
- surgical
- conservative
- CSF diversion
- Best supportive care
what is CSF diversion ?
to drain fluid from the brain and spinal cord. A shunt is placed in a ventricle of the brain and threaded under the skin to another part of the body, usually the abdomen. It is used to treat hydrocephalus and intracranial hypertension.
when is best supportive care used?
when the patient isn’t fit for surgery
