Week 11 TBI/Brain Tumors Flashcards
How do we diagnose TBI?
CT scan
what are the two signs that someone has a basal skull fracture?
- battles sign (post auricular ecchymosis - behind the ear)
- Raccoon eyes (bilateral periorbital ecchymosis)
What is a common complication of facial and skull fractures?
Dural Tear - CSF leak = meningitis risk
How do we check for CSF leak in facial and skull fractures?
look for clear fluid coming from nose or ears
What is a major risk of skull fracture?
Meningitis - monitor for S&S
What tube should we NEVER insert with a facial/skull fracture and why?
NG
can go into the brain
How do we know if someone has CSF leak?
Halo sign
- use gauze - will see red in middle and yellowish around
What is a focal head injury?
Contusion
- bruising of brain tissue in a focal area
What can focal head injury lead to?
increased ICP
What is a coup?
Primary impact (think baseball bat hitting a head)
What is a contrecoup?
secondary impact
(baseball bat hits head and then brain hits back of head)
What is coup-contre coup?
acceleration-deceleration injury
contusions at the site of direct impact and seondary damage on opposite side from force of impact
What medical issue is common in contusion?
Seizures
What is Diffuse Axonal injury (DAI)?
sheering of axons - widespread damage
mild- concussion or severe
What % of people remain in a vegetative state with severe DAI?
90%