Lecture on Head and Brain Injuries

These flashcards cover key concepts related to head and brain injuries discussed in the lecture, including types of injuries, risk factors, management strategies, and related conditions.

What are the main groups of people who are at higher risk for head injuries?

Teenagers, particularly teenage boys, elderly people, and children.

What is the broad classification of head injuries?

Head injuries can range from very mild to very serious, often caused by traumatic brain injuries.

What type of brain injury can occur when the brain strikes an immovable object followed by a backward motion?

Coup-contrecoup injury.

What is the difference between primary and secondary brain injuries?

Primary injuries occur at the moment of trauma (e.g., contusions, lacerations); secondary injuries develop later as a result of swelling, blood loss, and lack of oxygen.

What characterizes a concussion?

A concussion is a type of brain injury resulting from a blow to the head causing temporary loss of consciousness or cognitive function.

What is a subdural hematoma, and who is most at risk?

A subdural hematoma is a type of bleed that occurs beneath the dura mater, typically affecting elderly individuals whose brain has shrunk.

What is the typical appearance of an epidural bleed on a CT scan?

An epidural bleed usually appears as a biconvex lens (a bubble) on a CT scan due to arterial bleeding.

What condition is often caused by blood on the brain that leads to irritability of brain tissues?

Seizures.

What is diffuse axonal injury, and what can cause it?

Diffuse axonal injury involves tearing of brain tissue and is caused by severe head trauma or violent shaking, such as in shaken baby syndrome.

What treatments are commonly used to manage increased intracranial pressure?

Use of diuretics, head elevation, and possible surgical intervention.

What is a common complication associated with subarachnoid hemorrhages?

Vasospasm of blood vessels.

What is the ABCs approach in emergency settings for neuro patients?

Airway, Breathing, Circulation, followed by Neurological assessment.

How do epidural and subdural hematomas differ in terms of their bleeding speed?

Epidural hematomas are arterial and bleed rapidly, while subdural hematomas are venous and bleed more slowly.