Approach to Traumatic Brain Injury

Vocabulary flashcards based on the lecture notes about Traumatic Brain Injury, covering key terms and definitions related to the topic.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Commonly occurs in young adults, often due to motor vehicle accidents and various other trauma mechanisms.

Head Injury

Defined as a blunt or penetrating injury to the head from an external force resulting in temporary or permanent impairment in cerebral function.

Subgaleal Hematoma

Accumulation of blood between the periosteum and galeal aponeurosis, potentially fatal in neonates and toddlers.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid produced in the brain that provides nutrients to the CNS and is reabsorbed in arachnoid granulations.

Monroe-Kellie Doctrine

Principle stating that the total volume inside the skull must remain constant, adjusting volumes of brain, blood, and CSF to maintain normal intracranial pressure (ICP).

Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

Pressure within the skull that must be monitored in cases of TBI to ensure cerebral perfusion and prevent secondary brain injuries.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A scale used to assess the level of consciousness in a person following a head injury.

Extradural Hematoma (EDH)

Accumulation of blood between the skull and dura mater, often associated with a lucid interval and requires prompt surgical intervention.

Subdural Hemorrhage (SDH)

Accumulation of blood between the dura mater and the brain, typically venous and carries a high risk of mortality.

Brain Contusion

Bruising of the brain tissue, usually occuring at the inferior surface of the frontal or temporal lobes due to traumatic forces.

Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

Injury characterized by the shearing force on the axons of the brain, leading to widespread damage and often low GCS.

PTA (Post-Traumatic Amnesia)

The period after a head injury where the patient has no recollection of events preceding the injury or cannot form new memories.

Management of TBI

Involves ensuring airway patency, circulation control, and monitoring for changes in neurological status.

Compensatory Mechanism

The body's adaptive response to elevated ICP through adjustments in blood and CSF volume.

Risk Factors for CT Scan

Factors determining the need for a CT scan in head injury cases, including age, consciousness level, and signs of severe injury.

Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)

Progressive degenerative disease found in individuals with a history of repetitive brain trauma, leading to cognitive impairments.

Emergency Management of TBI

Immediate intervention strategies to stabilize the patient and prevent further brain injury.