Trauma to head, neck, and spine

Neurons

Specialized cells of the nervous system that transmit nerve impulses throughout the body

Peripheral Nervous System

Nerves that enter and exit the spinal cord between the vertebrae, the 12 pairs of cranial nerves, that travel between brain and organs without passing though spinal cord, and all of the body’s other motor and sensory nerves

Sensory Neurons

Specialized neurons that are responsible for transmitting messages from the body to the brain

Motor Neurons

Specialized neurons that are responsible for transmitting messages from the brain to the body

Frontal bones make up the ___ part of the cranium

front

Temporal bones make up the ___ part of the cranium

Inferior sides

Occipital bone make up the ___ part of the cranium

Back

There are __ bones in that make up the face

14

(True/False) The only moveable bone in the skull is the maxilla

False

Temporomandibular (TM) joint

The moveable joint between the mandible and the temporal bone

The maxillea is made of how many bones?

2 fused

There are __ nasal bones

2

Zygomatic bones make up the…

Cheeks

Foramen Magnum

Opening at the base of the skull thorough which the spinal cord passes from the brain

Cauda equina is…

The bundle of nerves that fan out at the lower end of the spinal cord

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord

(True/False) There are 33 vertebrae that make up the spine

True

Spinous Process

Bony bump on a vertebra

Parietal bones make up the ___ part of the cranium

Superior sides

(True/False) C2 is also called that atlas

False

(True/False) C1 is called the Atlas

True

How many bones make up the coccyx?

4 fused

(True/False) The part of the spine with the most vertebrae is…

The thoracic

Direct brain injuries occur when…

The brain is lacerated, punctured, or bruised by the broken bones or by a foreign object such as a bullet

Indirect brain injuries occur when…

The shock of impact on the skull is transferred to the brain

TBIs are…

Injuries that disrupt the normal functioning of the brain.

Concussions are defined as…

Mild closed head injury without detectable damage to the brain. Complete recovery is usually expected, but effects may linger for an undefined period of time.

Contusion definition

Bruised brain that occurs with closed head injuries when the force of the blow is great enough to rupture blood vessels on or within the brain

(True/False) A contrecoup injury is a contusion that occurs on the same side of the blow

False

Laceration definition

Cut to the brain that occurs from the same forces that might cause a contusion. Brain may be lacerated on the sharp, bony ridges of the inner skull or by an object penetrating the cranium.

A subdural hematoma is located…

Between the brain and dura

A epidural hematoma is located…

Between the dura and skull

A intracerebral hematoma is located…

In the brain

(True/False) The arachnoid space is interior to the dura matter

True

Intracranial pressure (ICP)

Pressure inside the skull

Cheyne-Stokes breathing

A distinct pattern of breathing characterized by quickening and deepening of respirations followed by a period of apnea

Cushing reflex

A condition indicative of increased ICP characterized by high BP and low HR

(True/False) S/S of increased cranial pressure include AMS, abnormal pupil reaction, increased systolic BP, decreased pulse rate, posturing, seizures, and abnormal respiration patterns or tachypnea

True

Decorticate posturing

Flexing the arms and wrists and extending the legs and feet

Decerebrate posturing

An extension of the arms with the shoulders rotated inward and wrist flexed, and legs extended

Ataxic respirations

Abnormal breathing pattern characterized by irregular and unpredictable respirations

Central neurogenic hyperventilation

A pattern of rapid and deep breathing caused by injury to the brain

Battles sign

A bruise behind the ear that is a late sign usually indicative of skull fractures and brain injury

Black “Racoon” eyes

A discoloration of the soft tissues around the eyes that can be a late sign indicative of skull fractures and brain injuries

The highest verbal score on the GCS is…

5

The highest motor score the GCS is…

6

The highest eye-opening score the GCS is…

4

The lowest GCS score possible is…

3

The highest GCS score possible is…

15

Primary injuries

Injuries that occur immediately and as a result of direct force

Secondary injuries

Injuries that occur after the initial insult

(True/False) the most susceptible part of the in regard to injury is the cervical and lumbar vertebrae

True

(True/False) Pregnant women and those with down syndrome are more prone to spinal injuries due to ligament laxity

True

High-risk MOIs for spinal injury include…

Falls from higher than 1m or down more than five stairs

Dermatome

An area of skin that is innervated by a single spinal nerve

The diaphragm is controlled by the…

third, fourth, and fifth cervical nerves

Neurogenic shock

State of hypoperfusion caused by nerve paralysis that leads to failure to control the diameter of blood vessels that sometimes develops from spinal cord injuries

3 Centers of mass in the body are…

The head, shoulder girdle, and pelvis

(True/False) the head weights an average of 8kg

True