Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Concussion P&C

Vocabulary flashcards related to traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions, covering definitions, symptoms, and management strategies.

Concussion

A neurometabolic disturbance resulting from direct or indirect trauma

Pathophysiology of TBI

Involves an efflux of potassium (K) and influx of calcium (Ca) secondary to increased cell wall permeability resulting from direct or indirect biomechanical force.

Efflux of Potassium (K) in TBI

The immediate outflow of potassium from the nerve cell after a traumatic impact.

Influx of Calcium (Ca) in TBI

The inflow of calcium into the nerve cell following concussion, which can be toxic and lead to enzyme activation, inflammatory responses, and cell death.

Cerebral Blood Flow Reduction in TBI

A consequence of traumatic brain injury that leads to a brain energy crisis due to increased glucose demands and diminished blood flow.

Excitatory Neurotransmitters in TBI

Glutamate is released following concussion, altering neurotransmitter release.

Skull Fracture

A potential differential diagnosis to consider when evaluating traumatic brain injury.

Epidural/Extradural Hematoma

A potential differential diagnosis to consider when evaluating traumatic brain injury.

Subdural Hematoma

A potential differential diagnosis to consider when evaluating traumatic brain injury.

Subarachnoid (Intracranial) Hemorrhage

A potential differential diagnosis to consider when evaluating traumatic brain injury.

C-Spine Injury

A potential differential diagnosis to consider when evaluating traumatic brain injury.

Memory Status (Concussion Evaluation)

A key component in evaluating concussions.

Symptom Checklist (Concussion Evaluation)

A key component in evaluating concussions.

Balance (Concussion Evaluation)

A key component in evaluating concussions.

Neurocognitive Function Testing (Concussion Evaluation)

A key component in evaluating concussions.

VOMS (Concussion Evaluation)

A key component in evaluating concussions.

Time and Place of Injury (Early History)

Important information to gather when assessing the early history of a concussion.

Mechanism of Injury (Early History)

Important information to gather when assessing the early history of a concussion.

Presence/Duration of LOC (Early History)

Important information to gather when assessing the early history of a concussion.

Post-Injury Behavior (Early History)

Important information to gather when assessing the early history of a concussion.

Presence of Convulsions/Seizure Post-Injury (Early History)

Important information to gather when assessing the early history of a concussion.

Past Medical History (Early History)

Important information to gather when assessing the early history of a concussion.

Medication (Early History)

Important information to gather when assessing the early history of a concussion.

Fractured Skull (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Deterioration in Conscious State Post-Injury (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Posturing (decorticate or decerebrate) (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Decerebrate

Decorticate

Confusion >15-30 minutes (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Any LOC (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Persistent Vomiting (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Increasing Headache (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Seizure (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Second Head Injury in Game (Hospital Referral)

Condition that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Assessment Difficulty (Hospital Referral)

Circumstance that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Inadequate Post-Injury Supervision (Hospital Referral)

Circumstance that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Significant Injury Mechanism (Hospital Referral)

Circumstance that warrants a hospital referral following a head injury.

Rule Out (R/O) Other/More Severe Injury (Concussion Management)

An important initial step in concussion management.

Prevent Secondary Injury (Concussion Management)

A key principle in concussion management.

Palpation (Concussion Management)

A component of physical examination in concussion management

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) assessment

A component of physical examination in concussion management.

Simple Concussion

An injury that progressively resolves without complication over 7–10 days, requiring rest and a graded program of exertion before return to sport.

Complex Concussion

Cases with persistent symptoms, specific sequelae, prolonged loss of consciousness, or cognitive impairment, potentially requiring formal neuropsychological testing and multidisciplinary management.

Vestibulospinal (Concussion Trajectory)

Concussion trajectory that presents with balance issues.

Vestibulo-ocular (Concussion Trajectory)

Concussion trajectory that presents with vision problems.

Migraine Headaches (Concussion Trajectory)

A potential concussion trajectory.

Cervical (Concussion Trajectory)

Concussion trajectory that presents with neck pain.

Cognitive (Concussion Trajectory)

A potential concussion trajectory.

Vestibular (Concussion Clinical Profile)

Clinical profile after concussion with balance deficits

Ocular (Concussion Clinical Profile)

Clinical profile after concussion with Visual Disturbances

Mood and Anxiety (Concussion Clinical Profile)

Clinical profile after concussion with disturbances in one's mood and feelings of anxiety

Vestibular Therapy

Treatment for vestibular symptoms that involves customized treatment for patient's normal daily environments

Relaxation Strategies

Treatment for Anxiety/Mood symptoms after a concussion with the goal of promoting emotional regulation

Poor attention and concentration

A common sign and/or symptom of a concussion

Memory dysfunction

A common sign and/or symptom of a concussion

Anosmia

A common sign and/or symptom of a concussion

Photophobia

A common sign and/or symptom of a concussion

Light aerobic exercise

Walking or stationary cycling with no resistance training

Sport specific exercise

Skating in hockey, or running in soccer

Progressive addition of resistance training

Steps 3 or 4 of the return to play protocol

Progressive addition of resistance training

Steps 3 or 4 of the return to play protocol

Non-contact training drills

Step 5 of the return to play protocol

Full contact training

Step 6 of the return to play protocol, which is to occur after medical clearance