Traumatic Brain Injury and Related Conditions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and associated conditions, providing definitions and explanations for important terms in neurology.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

A disruption in normal brain function caused by an external force, often resulting from a blow or jolt to the head.

Epidural hematoma

Occurs between the skull and the dura mater, often presenting with a lucid interval followed by rapid deterioration.

Subdural hematoma

Occurs between the dura mater and the brain, typically presenting with gradual symptoms.

Intracerebral hematoma

Occurs within the brain tissue itself, leading to localized neurological deficits.

Coup injury

Injury occurring at the site of impact.

Contrecoup injury

Injury occurring on the opposite side of the brain due to the brain's movement within the skull.

Focal brain injury

Localized to a specific area of the brain, often resulting in specific deficits.

Diffuse brain injury

Affects multiple areas of the brain, typically leading to widespread cognitive and functional impairments.

Mild concussion manifestations

Temporary confusion and headache.

Classic concussion manifestations

Can involve loss of consciousness, amnesia, and prolonged confusion.

Common causes for spinal cord trauma

Fractures, dislocations, and compression of the vertebrae.

Autonomic hyperreflexia

An exaggerated autonomic response to stimuli below the level of spinal cord injury, leading to severe hypertension.

Common causes for low back pain

Muscle strain, herniated disks, degenerative disk disease, and spinal stenosis.

Pathophysiology of a herniated intervertebral disk

Occurs when the nucleus pulposus protrudes through the annulus fibrosus, potentially compressing nearby spinal nerves.

Seizure

A sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain.

Aura

A perceptual disturbance experienced before a seizure, often as a warning sign.

Thrombotic stroke

Results from blood clots in the arteries supplying the brain.

Intracranial aneurysm

Characterized by bulges in the arterial wall that can lead to rupture and hemorrhage.

Chronic headaches

Can be categorized into migraine, cluster, paroxysmal hemicrania, and tension headaches.

Bacterial meningitis

Characterized by a rapid onset, severe symptoms, and often requires antibiotics.

Central nervous system abscess

Localized infections within the brain or spinal cord, often resulting from bacterial infections.

Neuropathy

A condition resulting from damage to the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain and weakness.

Myopathy

A disease of the muscle tissue that leads to muscle weakness and pain.

Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)

A tool used to assess the severity of brain injury based on a patient's level of consciousness.

Moderate concussion score on GCS

A GCS score of 9–12 indicating possible structural injury.

Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE)

A neurodegenerative disease linked to brain injury from sports or military trauma.

Spinal shock

Complete loss of reflex function below the level of the spinal cord injury.

Autonomic hyperreflexia symptoms

Hypertension, bradycardia, pounding headache, and sweating above the lesion.

Role of corticosteroids in spinal cord injury

Administered to decrease secondary cord injury if given within 8 hours of the injury.

Spondylolisthesis

A condition where a vertebra slides forward in relation to the vertebra below it.