ch 33 Trauma to the Head, Neck, and Spine

These flashcards provide essential vocabulary and definitions regarding head, neck, and spinal trauma based on Chapter 33 of EMT emergency care training.

Central nervous system (CNS)

The subdivision of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral nervous system (PNS)

The subdivision of the nervous system consisting of vertebral nerves, cranial nerves, and motor and sensory nerves.

Neurons

Specialized nerve cells that transmit nervous impulses through the body.

Sensory nerves

Nerves that carry messages from the body to the brain.

Motor nerves

Nerves that carry messages from the brain to the body to control voluntary movement.

Autonomic nervous system

The part of the nervous system that controls involuntary functions.

Cranium

The part of the skull containing the frontal bone, parietal bones, temporal bones, and occipital bone.

Mandible

The lower jaw bone, which joins the skull at the temporal bones.

Temporomandibular joint

The movable joint formed where the mandible joins the skull at the temporal bones.

Foramen magnum

The opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord exits the brain.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Fluid that bathes the brain and circulates down the spine.

Spinal cord

A bundle of nervous tissue extending from the brainstem to the small of the back that serves as the main pathway for nerve messages.

Cauda equina

A bundle of spinal nerves that emerges from the end of the spinal cord.

Meninges

Tough, fibrous membranes that surround the spinal cord inside the spinal column.

Vertebrae

The $33$ individual bones that make up the spinal column.

Cervical vertebrae

A group of $7$ vertebrae located in the neck.

Thoracic vertebrae

A group of $12$ vertebrae located in the upper back to which the ribs attach.

Lumbar vertebrae

A group of $5$ vertebrae located in the mid-back.

Sacral vertebrae

A group of $5$ vertebrae located in the lower back that are fused to form the posterior part of the pelvis.

Coccygeal vertebrae

A group of $4$ vertebrae located in the tailbone.

Open head injury

An injury occurring when the bones of the cranium are fractured.

Closed head injury

An injury occurring when the scalp is lacerated but the cranium remains intact.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

An injury that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, ranging from brief to long-term impairment.

Concussion

A type of brain injury occurring when the head is struck and force is transferred to the brain.

Contusion

A bruised brain caused by a blow forceful enough to rupture blood vessels in the brain.

Coup injury

A brain injury occurring on the side of the initial blow.

Contrecoup injury

A brain injury occurring on the side opposite the initial blow.

Laceration

A cut to the brain caused by forces similar to those that cause contusions.

Subdural hematoma

A collection of blood that develops between the brain and the dura.

Epidural hematoma

A collection of blood that develops between the dura and the skull.

Intracerebral hematoma

A pool of blood that forms within the brain tissue.

Intracranial pressure (ICP)

The pressure inside the skull that increases as a hematoma or swelling develops.

Cushing reflex

The combination of rising blood pressure and a slowing heart rate in response to increased intracranial pressure.

Battle sign

Bruising behind the ear, which is a sign of a potential skull fracture.

Raccoon eyes

Discoloration of soft tissues under both eyes, also known as black eyes.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A neurologic assessment tool that evaluates eye opening, verbal response, and motor response.

Air embolism

A condition where air is sucked into a large vein, which can travel to the lungs and cause cardiac arrest.

Primary spinal injury

Spinal cord damage that occurs immediately due to direct force.

Secondary spinal injury

Spinal damage occurring after the initial insult caused by hypoxia, shock, cord swelling, or hypoglycemia.

Axial loading

Compression injuries to the spine, such as those occurring in diving accidents or falls.

Dermatome

An area of the body surface innervated by a single spinal nerve.

NEXUS

An algorithm used to identify the likelihood of spinal injury based on patient reliability, pain, neurologic signs, and distracting injuries.

Inline neutral position

A position of function for the spine that best represents its natural anatomic S-shaped curve.

Vacuum mattress

A hollow bag device that becomes rigid when air is pumped out, used for comfortable spinal motion restriction.