Med Con Exam #2: Miscellaneous Terms

Concussion

Mild ABI, “induced by biomechanical forces”; indicated by confusion and slowed reaction times

Second Impact Syndrome

2nd concussion occurs before 1st symptoms resolve

Postconcussion Syndrome

Symptoms worsened since onset, persisted 3 months or more

Closed Brain Inury

Brain damage caused by blunt for w/o penetrating the skull

Penetrating Brain Injury

Damage to brain by object which perforates skills and passes into the brain

Blast Brain Injury

Brain damage caused by energy waves from explosion

Diffuse axonal Injuries

Small lesions in/shearing of white matter tracts of cortex

Primary Brain Damage

occurs at time of injury; caused by direct impact of the brain

Secondary Brain Damage

Occurs hours/days after time of injury

-Decreased cerebral blood flow

-Increased intercranial pressure

-Neuroinflammation

Cardiovascular Accident

Interruption of blood flow to the brain; inadequate supply of oxygen/nutrients to brain

Ischemic Stroke

-Most common CVA

-Brain circulation obstructed; tissue death

Ischemic Stroke: Thrombosis

-Obstruction at point of blood clot formation

-Forms through atherosclerosis

-Onset during sleep common

Ischemic Stroke: Lacunar Strokes/Penetrating Artery Disease

-Small infarcts; 2-15 mm

-Focal deficits; single artery occlusion

-May go undetected

Ischemic Stroke: Embolism

-Clot formed elsewhere (thrombus) breaks off (embolus)

-Travels up bloodstream until it reaches an artery too small

-Typically occur during daytime activity

Hemorrhagic Stroke

-15-20% of CVAs

-Rupture of blood vessels (aneurysm), bleeding into/around cerebral tissue

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Intracerebral Hemorrhage

-Can occur in any part of brain

-Linked to hypertension

-Abnormal rrescence of blood/pressure on neurons

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

-85% caused by aneurysms leakage of blood

-Onset, “worst headache ever”

-Abnormal formation of vessels near brain surface

TIA/Mini-stroke

-Temporary blockage of blood supply to brain

-Rapid onset, last <24 hrs

-Lack of permanent neuro damage

SCI Incomplete Injury: Anterior Cord Syndrome

• Loss of motor function below LOI

• Loss of pain and temperature sensation below LOI

• Light touch/proprioceptive awareness typically unaffected

SCI Incomplete Injury: Brown Sequard Syndrome

• Result of penetrating wound'

• Ipsilateral loss of motor function below LOI

• Ipsilateral reduction of dee p touch and proprioceptive awareness

• Contralateral loss of pain, temperature, and touch

SCI Incomplete Injury: Central Cervical Cord Syndrome

• More common in aging populations

• Motor and sensory function in the LE less involved than UE

• A potential for flaccid paralysis of the UE as the anterior horn cells in the cervical spinal cord may be damaged

Cauda Equina Injuries

• No damage to spinal cord, damage to spinal nerve/roots

• Possible nerve regeneration

• LMN type motor paralysis

Conus Medullaris Injuries

• Loss of motor function and sensation below LOI

• Absence of a reflex arc.

• Motor paralysis of the LMN type

• Bowel and bladder incontinence and sexual dysfunction more severe than cauda equina injuries