Wk 6 Traumatic Insult and Injury-Related Neurological Disorders

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and definitions from a lecture on traumatic and non-traumatic neurological disorders, including TBI, SCI, and stroke.

Traumatic Injury

An injury to the body caused by an external mechanical force.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Damage to the nervous system resulting from external forces, like blows to the head or body, leading to temporary or permanent brain dysfunction.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A scale used to determine the severity of TBI based on motor, verbal, and sensory responses, ranging from 3 (comatose) to 15.

Sport-Related Concussion

A traumatic brain injury caused by a direct blow to the head, neck, or body resulting in an impulsive force being transmitted to the brain that occurs in sports and exercise-related activities.

Quadriplegia (Tetraplegia)

Paralysis or impairment affecting all four limbs and the trunk, typically resulting from an injury to the cervical region of the spinal cord.

Paraplegia

Impairment or paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, usually stemming from an injury to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral regions of the spinal cord.

Complete Injury

Total loss of sensation and function below the level of injury in spinal cord injuries.

Incomplete Injury

Some function or sensation remains below the level of injury.

Stroke

A neurological condition resulting from either an occlusion (ischemic stroke) or a bleed (hemorrhagic stroke) in the blood vessels of the brain, leading to reduced cerebral blood flow.

BE FAST

A mnemonic used to identify common symptoms of a stroke: Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Hemiplegia

Paralysis that affects one side of the body.

Focal Primary Brain Injury

Direct impact on the brain.

Diffuse Primary Brain Injury

Tear in brain tissues, potentially caused by stretching, allocating, or accelerating forces.

Primary Spinal Cord Injury

Mechanical disruption of the spinal cord during trauma.

Secondary Spinal Cord Injury

Rapidly escalating cascade of acute and chronic degenerative events due to chemical and physical events created by the primary injury.

Intravenous Thrombolysis

In acute ischemic stroke, first line therapy.

Carotid Endarterectomy

Surgical removal of plaque.

Acute Phase Treatment (TBI & SCI)

Stabilize, managing brain or spinal cord swelling, and preventing hypoxia and secondary damage.

Rehabilitation Phase (TBI & SCI)

Enhance independence and quality of life through neuroplasticity.

Exercise Screening

Medical screening before initiating any exercise program may be warranted to identify any potential risks and inform the how to tailor the exercise regimen.

Berg Balance Scale

Performance-based measure of balance and mobility to assess static and dynamic balance.

Functional Reach Test

Assesses the maximum distance an individual can reach forward while maintaining a fixed base of support; measures dynamic stability and balance in reaching tasks.

Four Square Step Test

Evaluates dynamic standing balance and stepping ability by navigating a square pattern; assesses the ability to step in multiple directions.

Single Leg Stance Test

Measures the ability to maintain balance on one leg for a specified duration; assesses static balance and postural control.

Repetition Maximum Testing

Measures the maximum weight a person can lift or move for a specific exercise while completing a set number of repetitions.

Handgrip Strength Test

Assesses the maximum force a person can generate while squeezing a handgrip dynamometer; focuses on the strength of the hand and forearm muscles.

Manual Muscle Testing

This assessment involves a healthcare provider manually evaluating the strength of specific muscle groups by applying resistance to the patient's movements.

Modified Ashworth Scale

This scale assesses muscle spasticity by evaluating resistance to passive movement.

Exercise Tolerance Post-Concussion

An individual's ability to engage in physical activity without worsening symptoms (e.g., nausea, dizziness, fatigue, cognitive changes).

Locomotion Training

Repetitive practice of gait activities to retrain the nervous system for functional walking.