Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injuries

Vocabulary flashcards related to Traumatic Brain Injury and Spinal Cord Injuries to aid in review and retention of key concepts discussed in the lecture.

TBI

Traumatic Brain Injury, caused by a blow or jolt to the head.

Concussion

A momentary interruption of brain function, usually from a mild blow to the head.

Contusion

Bruising of the brain, with small tears in blood vessels.

Coup Injury

Initial area of the brain impacts with the skull.

Contrecoup Injury

Area opposite the coup injury where the brain rebounds.

Intracranial Bleeding

Bleeding that occurs inside the skull, can cause hematomas.

Hematoma

A collection of blood in tissue due to ruptured blood vessels.

Epidural Hematoma

Bleeding between the dura mater and skull, usually from an arterial tear.

Subdural Hematoma

Collection of venous blood beneath the dura mater.

Subarachnoid Hematoma

Bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissue covering it.

Increased ICP

Increased intracranial pressure, can lead to severe complications.

Monro-Kellie Hypothesis

If one cranial component increases, another must decrease to maintain pressure.

Cerebral Edema

Swelling of the brain due to injury, can increase intracranial pressure.

Risk Factors for TBI

Males, children (0-4), adolescents (15-19), elderly (75+).

Change in LOC

Change in level of consciousness, a warning sign of a TBI.

Projectile Vomiting

Vomiting that occurs suddenly, often associated with increased ICP.

Cranial Nerve Damage Symptoms

Impaired hearing, smell, taste, speech, or vision post-injury.

Post-concussion Syndrome

Persistence of symptoms like headache and dizziness after concussion.

Diffuse Axonal Injury

Widespread damage to brain tissue, typically caused by severe trauma.

Central Cord Syndrome

Results in greater loss of function in upper extremities compared to lower extremities.

Anterior Cord Syndrome

Loss of motor function and pain/temperature sensation; position and vibration sensation preserved.

Brown-Sequard Syndrome

Loss of motor and position sense on the same side as the injury; loss of pain and temperature on the opposite side.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

Overreaction of the autonomic nervous system due to injury at T6 or above.

Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA)

An interruption of blood supply to the brain, resulting in a stroke.

Ischemic Stroke

The most common stroke caused by blockage, leading to lack of blood flow.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Less common but more deadly stroke caused by bleeding from a ruptured vessel.

Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary episode of ischemia leading to stroke-like symptoms that resolve.

NIH Stroke Scale

A tool for evaluating the severity of a stroke during initial assessment.

tPA treatment

Recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator used in ischemic strokes to dissolve clots.

Glasgow Coma Scale

A scale used to assess consciousness level in a patient.

Symptoms of TBI

Headache, confusion, memory loss, mood changes.

Signs of External Hemorrhage

Fluid draining from nose/mouth, skull fractures, and bruising.

Change in Pupils

Unequal or slow-reacting pupils can indicate brain injury.

Seizures

An abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can indicate TBI.

Risks for Stroke

Risk factors include hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and age.

Stroke Recognition - F.A.S.T.

Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.

Circle of Willis

Base of the brain formed by arteries; common site for aneurysms.

Cerebral Aneurysm

Weakness in an arterial wall that can lead to rupture and hemorrhage.

Right CVA Effects

Affects left side of body; may cause impulsivity and unilateral neglect.

Left CVA Effects

Affects right side of body; often more emotional and aware of impairments.

CT Scan in Stroke

Used to determine the type of stroke, assess bleeding.

MRI in Stroke

Used to identify ischemia, edema, and possible hemorrhage.

Spinal Cord Injury Levels

Injuries to specific cervical nerves affect different body functions.

Tetraplegia

Paralysis caused by injury to the cervical spine affecting all four limbs.

Paraplegia

Paralysis affecting the lower body due to thoracic or lumbar spinal cord injury.

Complete vs Incomplete Injury

Complete injury results in total loss of motor/sensory function; incomplete means some function remains.

Autonomic Nervous System

Part of the nervous system that controls involuntary actions.

Neurotransmitter Release

Can lead to excitotoxicity and neuron damage after injury.

Prevention of TBI

Use safety gear, avoid high-risk activities, and fall prevention measures.