Chapter 29B: Head + Spine Trauma

CNS

Division of nervous system protected by the meninges

Dura Mater

 Tough outer fibrous layer that forms a sac to contain CNS

Arachnoid and Pia Mater

2 inner layers of meninges that contain blood vessels

Brachial Plexus

Motor and sensory nerves controlling the arms

Lumbosacral Plexus

Motor and sensory nerves controlling the legs

Reflex Arc

If sensory nerve detects an irritating stimulus, it bypasses the brain and sends the message directly to a motor nerve via…

Cervical

Vertebrae count of 7

Thoracic

Vertebrae count of 12

Lumbar, sacral

Vertebrae count of 5

Coccyx

Vertebrae count of 4

33

Spinal column has a total vertebrae count of _

not 31

Intervertebral Disks

Connect the vertebrae by ligaments and separate with cushioning

S/S of skull fracture

Head is deformed, visible cracks in skull, Raccoon eyes, Battle sign

Raccoon Eyes

Ecchymosis under the eyes

Battle Sign

Ecchymosis developing behind one ear over mastoid process

Cheyne-Stokes, ataxic

Respiratory S/S of increased ICP include __-__ and __ respirations

Concussions

Mostly the result of a direct blow to the head or face and are brief

S/S of concussions

Dizziness, weakness, visual changes, nausea and vomiting, ringing in ear, slurred speech, inability to focus

Hyperflexion

From trauma that overextend cervical spine and damage ligaments and joints

Hyperextension

From trauma that pull the spine along its length leading to fractures in spine and ligament and muscle injuries

Hangings

Distraction injury type to the cervical spine from hyperextension

Distraction Injuries

Cause separation of vertebrae and stretching or tearing of the spinal cord, neurological deficits

Axial Loading Injuries

When blunt trauma is directly applied along vertical/longitudinal axis of spine; i.e. fall from height and landing with feet upright

Diving Accidents

Cause compression injuries of the spine and paralysis from submersion

Short Backboards

Vest-type device and rigid short board that restrict movement of head, neck, torso of patient in sitting position

Long Backboards

Device provides full body spinal immobilization to head, neck, upper and lower extremities, and used for patient in any position

Head

When you secure this patient to a backboard, what area of the body should you secure last?

Airway, ventilation

Only consideration of removing helmet from patient is if there is an impediment on maintaining their __ or __