Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Concussion

Closed Head Injury

Which type of head injury is blunt trauma causing skull impact without penetration of the dura mater?
S/Sx: headache, dizziness/confusion, nausea/vomiting, LOC, altered mental status (severe)
Tx: analgesics for pain; surgery for hematoma, closed monitoring for increased ICP

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What is disruption of normal brain function due to a mechanical injury?

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Evaluation of __________:
GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale)
mild: 13-15
moderate: 9-12
severe: 3-8
*GCS <13, abnormal behavior, scalp hematoma, persistent vomiting requires CT imaging

Concussion

What is a mild traumatic brain injury that causes temporary dysfunction of brain cells?
S/Sx: headache, dizziness, confusion, memory disturbances, nausea/vomiting, visual changes, sensitivity to light/sound
Tx: physical and cognitive rest for 48 hours; symptomatic treatment for headaches, sleep disturbances, graduate return-to-play protocol for athletes

Prolonged Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS)

What condition involves persistent symptoms of a mild TBI for more than 3 months?
Risk Factors: female sex; preexisting anxiety or depression, prior concussions
Tx: symptomatic treatment for headaches, sleep disturbances, depression, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), gradual reintroduction of physical and mental activities

non-contrast head CT

What is the imaging of choice for an acute traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

MRI

What is the imaging of choice for a subacute/chronic traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

Prolonged Post-Concussion Symptoms (PPCS)

If a patient experiences symptoms of a mild TBI for more than 3 months, what is the most likely diagnosis?