Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Overview

A collection of flashcards to aid in understanding and memorizing key vocabulary related to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as discussed in the lecture.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

An injury to the head that affects brain function.

LOC

Level of consciousness; a key indicator of neurological status.

Contusion

A bruise on the brain resulting from trauma.

Concussion

A type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head.

Hematoma

A localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often associated with bruising.

Epidural Hematoma

A type of hematoma that occurs between the skull and the dura mater, usually an arterial bleed.

Subdural Hematoma

A hematoma that occurs between the dura mater and the brain, typically from venous bleeding.

Countercoup Injury

An injury that occurs on the opposite side of the impact site due to the brain movement.

Falls

The leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, surpassing motor vehicle accidents.

Risk Factors for TBI

Males, children under four, and elderly individuals are at higher risk.

Trans Ischemic Attack (TIA)

A temporary period of symptoms similar to those of a stroke.

Seizures

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain, potentially resulting from head injuries.

Pupillary Reaction

The response of the pupils to light; important in assessing neurological function.

Concussion Protocol

Guidelines to manage and assess athletes after a concussion.

Post-Concussion Syndrome

A complex disorder with persistent symptoms following a concussion.

Neuro Assessment

A process to evaluate the nervous system's integrity and function.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

A common cause of TBIs, but rates of falls are increasing.

Long-term Effects of Concussion

Potential for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and other cognitive issues.

Brain Bruise

Another term for contusion; signifies tissue damage without massive bleeding.

Blood Pressure Changes

Variations in blood pressure that can indicate increased intracranial pressure.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak

A leak of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often due to injury.

Raccoon Eyes

Bruising around the eyes indicative of a basilar skull fracture.

Intracranial Bleeding

Bleeding inside the skull that can lead to serious complications.

Halo Sign

A halo-like ring that appears when cerebrospinal fluid mixes with blood.

Head Trauma

Injury to the head that can result in TBI.

Skull Fracture

A break in the skull, commonly associated with TBIs.

Risky Behavior

Actions that increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries.

TBI Recovery

The process of healing from a traumatic brain injury, which may include rehabilitation.

Neurodynamics

The study of how the nervous system responds to movements and positioning.

Memory Lapse

A sudden inability to recall information, often seen in concussions.

Dizziness

A common symptom of concussions and TBIs.

Projectile Vomiting

Severe vomiting that occurs suddenly and with force; can indicate increased intracranial pressure.

Respiratory Issues

Complications in breathing that may arise due to TBI.

Testing for CSF

Using a substance such as glucose to determine if the fluid leak is cerebrospinal.

Neurological Changes

Alterations in neurological function, such as speech or motor skills, post-injury.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)

Another term for a concussion; typically less severe but still serious.

Cognitive Functioning

Mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, affected by TBI.

Trauma Assessment

Evaluating the extent and nature of injuries sustained during an accident.

Neurological Deficits

Loss of or impaired function in the nervous system after injury.

Immediate Medical Attention

Priority in treating patients showing signs of severe TBI.

Death Risk

Increased likelihood of mortality associated with untreated severe TBI.

Recovery Timeline

The expected duration for healing and rehabilitation following a TBI.

Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation aimed at improving physical function post-injury.

Behavioral Changes

Alterations in behavior following brain injury, potentially affecting daily life.

CT Scans

Imaging used to detect brain injuries or bleeding post-trauma.

Emotional Disturbances

Psychological effects that may arise post-head injury.

Chronic Conditions

Long-standing health issues that can develop from TBI.

Early Intervention

Prompt treatment following a head injury to mitigate long-term effects.

Continuous Monitoring

Ongoing assessment of neurological status post-injury.

Accident Reporting

Documentation of the details surrounding an injury event.

Support Systems

Networks of care including friends, family, and professionals for TBI recovery.

Injury Prevention

Strategies aimed at reducing the risk of TBIs.