Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury Video

Question 1

Axonal Shearing

Answer 1

When the brain’s axons (main channels of communication) are stretched to the point of breaking, causing damaged brain cells to die.

Question 2

Brain Herniation

Answer 2

Rising pressure inside the brain or hematoma, causing parts to shift out of place.

Question 3

Cerebral Atrophy

Answer 3

Loss of nerve cells in the brain and the connections between them.

Question 4

Edema

Answer 4

Swelling inside the skull. Edema squeezes brain cells, interrupting blood flow & oxygen to brain tissue.

Question 5

Hematoma

Answer 5

Pool of blood or bruise inside the skull which can increase pressure inside of the brain.

Question 6

Hemorrhage

Answer 6

Internal or external bleeding caused by damage to a blood vessel.

Question 7

Intracranial Pressure Monitoring

Answer 7

Monitoring of the pressure inside the skull using a threaded catheter or a sensor.

Question 8

Shock

Answer 8

Body response triggered by loss of blood to the brain, which can indirectly injure the brain tissue.

Question 9

Minimally-Conscious State

Answer 9

Any small, consistently identifiable & deliberate behavior or action by patient.

Question 10

Semi-Coma (Vegetative State)

Answer 10

When patient’s eyes are open, but not always aware of themselves or their surroundings.

Question 11

Coma

Answer 11

A deep state of unconsciousness.

Question 12

Sympathetic Storming

Answer 12

An elevated stress response that occurs in 1/3 of brain injury patients.

Question 13

What is Sympathetic Storming thought to be a sign of?

Answer 13

Returning activity of the sympathetic nervous system.

Question 14

Mild Brain Injury

Answer 14

Concussion, any memory loss, under 15 minutes unconscious.

Question 15

Moderate Brain Injury

Answer 15

Unconscious 15 minutes to a few hours.

Question 16

Severe Brain Injury

Answer 16

Unconscious 6 or more hours. Affects less than 10% of patients.