Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injury

These flashcards cover key vocabulary related to Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries, including definitions and explanations of common terms and concepts within the subject.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Damage to the brain due to an external force, leading to impairments in cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functions.

Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

Damage to the spinal cord resulting in loss of mobility or sensation, commonly caused by trauma such as vehicle accidents or falls.

Pathophysiology

The study of the functional changes that occur in the body as a result of a disease or injury.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A neurological scale used to assess a patient's level of consciousness by measuring eye, verbal, and motor responses.

Meninges

Three layers of protective tissue (dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Axon

The long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Complete Injury

Type of spinal cord injury where there is a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of injury.

Incomplete Injury

Type of spinal cord injury where some function or movement below the injury level remains intact.

Epidural Hematoma

A collection of blood between the skull and the dura mater, often a result of trauma.

Subdural Hematoma

A type of hematoma that occurs between the dura mater and the arachnoid layer, typically from tearing of veins.

Contusion

Bruising of brain tissue, usually caused by a direct blow to the head, resulting in localized damage.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord that provides cushioning and nourishment.

Autonomic Dysreflexia

A potentially life-threatening condition that occurs in individuals with SCI above T6, characterized by sudden high blood pressure.

Cervical Level Injury

Injury to the spinal cord in the cervical region, which can result in quadriplegia.

Thoracic Level Injury

Injury to the spinal cord in the thoracic region, which typically results in paraplegia.

Lumbosacral Injury

Injury to the lower section of the spinal cord, potentially leading to loss of bowel and bladder control.

Neurogenic Shock

A form of distributive shock caused by loss of autonomic tone due to SCI, leading to hypotension and bradycardia.

Penetrating Injury

Injury resulting from an object breaking through the skull and entering the brain.

Acceleration/Deceleration Injury

Injury that occurs when the brain moves rapidly in relation to the skull, causing potential damage due to sudden movements.

Halo Sign

A diagnostic test for CSF leaks characterized by a blood-stained halo around a central yellow ring on gauze.

Spinal Stabilization

Techniques and devices used to immobilize the spine in cases of SCI to prevent further injury.

Motor Vehicle Crash (MVC)

An event leading to injury that is one of the leading causes of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

Triage

The process of determining the priority of patients' treatments based on the severity of their conditions.

Complications

Potential adverse effects that can arise from an injury or treatment; in SCI, may include infections and autonomic dysreflexia.

Hypoxia

A condition in which there is insufficient oxygen in the tissues to sustain normal bodily functions.

Surgical Decompression

A procedure performed to relieve pressure on the brain or spinal cord, often necessary after severe injuries.