Anatomy of the Brain and TBI Overview
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Questions and Answers

What are the three membranes that protect the brain?

  • skull, cerebrospinal fluid, meninges
  • dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater (correct)
  • arachnoid mater, pia mater, cerebrospinal fluid
  • skull, cerebrospinal fluid, dura mater

What is the most common cause of death and disability among Canadians under 40 years old?

  • Cancer
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury (correct)
  • Heart disease

Primary TBI is caused by a direct impact to the brain.

True (A)

Secondary TBI occurs due to the primary injury and can include cerebral swelling, inflammation, and increased intracranial pressure.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Closed trauma, where the dura remains intact, is the most common type of TBI.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a coup injury?

<p>A coup injury refers to the brain injury at the site of direct impact of the brain on the skull.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a contrecoup injury?

<p>A contrecoup injury happens when the brain rebounds and hits the opposite side of the skull.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A contusion is a bruising within the brain caused by blood leaking from injured vessels.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a possible symptom of a contusion?

<p>Fever (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Open brain injury occurs when trauma penetrates the dura.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a hematoma?

<p>A collection of blood that forms within the skull due to TBI (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does an epidural hematoma form?

<p>Between the skull and the dura mater (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A person with an epidural hematoma may become unconscious, have a moment of clarity, and then experience a decreased level of consciousness.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Subdural hematomas are less common than epidural hematomas and develop slower.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Subdural hematomas are always caused by arterial bleeding.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is a severe brain injury characterized by which of the following?

<p>Widespread axonal injury (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

DAI can only occur with severe brain injury.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs of a mild concussion?

<p>Mild but immediate clinical manifestations, CSF pressure rises, ECG/EEG changes, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13-15, Confusion lasts 1 to several minutes with amnesia, Headache and nervousness for a few days.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the signs of a classic cerebral concussion?

<p>Loss of consciousness (LOC) less than 6 hours with amnesia, Confusion, Transient cessation of respiration, Vital signs stabilize within a few minutes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a complication of TBI?

<p>Kidney failure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common cause of an ischemic stroke?

<p>A blockage of blood flow to the brain (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A thrombotic stroke is caused by a blood clot that forms in the brain.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An embolic stroke is caused by fragments that break from a thrombus formed outside the brain and block an artery.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A lacunar stroke is a type of hemorrhagic stroke.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A hemorrhagic stroke is caused by bleeding in the brain.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hypertension can be a cause of hemorrhagic stroke.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

<p>A mini-stroke (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

TIAs are a warning sign for a future stroke.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) occurs when the volume of one or more of the intracranial components increases.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three key components that occupy the intracranial space?

<p>Brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cause of increased ICP?

<p>Increased oxygen levels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Monroe Kellie Doctrine states that because the skull is a rigid structure, any increase in the volume of one component must be offset by a decrease in another to maintain a stable ICP.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a compensatory mechanism for preventing increased ICP?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cerebral blood flow autoregulation is the brain's ability to adjust its blood flow according to its metabolic needs.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An increase in PaCO2 (partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide) constricts blood vessels and decreases cerebral blood flow.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A decrease in PaO2 (partial pressure of arterial oxygen) below 50 mm Hg causes cerebral vasoconstriction.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is the pressure required to ensure sufficient blood flow to the brain.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cerebral edema is an increase in brain tissue fluid content, often resulting from TBI.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of cerebral edema?

<p>Hemorrhagic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Vasogenic edema is the most common type of cerebral edema and is characterized by increased permeability of capillary endothelium.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cytotoxic edema occurs due to cell membrane disruption caused by trauma or lesions that lead to oxygen deprivation and loss of cellular transport systems.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Interstitial edema is primarily observed in hydrocephalus.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pupillary changes can be a sign of increased ICP.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision, and altered extraocular eye movements can occur with increased ICP.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Motor function impairment, such as hemiparesis or hemiplegia, can be a sign of increased ICP.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Headache, often projectile and without nausea, can be a sign of increased ICP.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Diagnosis of increased ICP involves the use of CT scans, MRIs, and ICP monitoring in intensive care units.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mannitol is an osmotic diuretic that helps draw water from the brain tissue to reduce ICP.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Corticosteroids are routinely used to decrease vasogenic edema caused by tumors or abscesses in head injuries.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mechanical ventilation may be required to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation in patients with TBI.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Early initiation of nutrition within five days of TBI has been shown to improve outcomes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Brain herniation occurs when increased ICP forces brain tissue to shift from its normal position, potentially compressing vital structures.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Treatment for brain herniation is not an emergency.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of the treatment for brain herniation?

<p>Antibiotics (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Dura Mater

Outermost layer of the meninges, protecting the brain.

Arachnoid Mater

Middle layer of the meninges, thin and delicate.

Pia Mater

Innermost layer of the meninges, connective tissue.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Disruption of brain function from external force.

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Primary TBI

Brain injury from direct impact.

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Secondary TBI

Brain injury resulting from primary injury.

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Focal Brain Injury

TBI affecting one specific area of the brain.

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Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)

Widespread nerve fiber damage.

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Coup Injury

Brain injury at the impact site.

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Contrecoup Injury

Brain rebound injury on the opposite side.

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Contusion

Brain bruising from blood vessel damage.

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Edema

Swelling caused by fluid buildup.

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Epidural Hematoma

Blood clot between brain and skull.

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Subdural Hematoma

Blood clot between arachnoid and pia mater.

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Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Bleeding inside the brain tissue.

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Mild Concussion

Mild brain injury with short effects.

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Classic Cerebral Concussion

Brain injury with loss of consciousness for less than 6 hours.

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Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

Pressure inside the skull is elevated.

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Monroe-Kellie Doctrine

Intracranial components need to adjust.

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Cerebral Blood Flow

Brain's blood supply to meet needs.

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Cerebral Perfusion Pressure (CPP)

Pressure needed for sufficient blood flow to the brain.

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Cerebral Edema

Brain tissue swelling.

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Vasogenic Edema

Increased capillary permeability causing brain swelling.

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Cytotoxic Edema

Cell membrane damage causing intracellular swelling.

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Interstitial Edema

Fluid in the spaces between brain cells, often in hydrocephalus.

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Study Notes

Anatomy of the Brain

  • The brain is protected by the skull, cerebrospinal fluid, and three membranes called meninges.
  • Dura mater: The outermost layer, tough, fibrous, leather-like tissue.
  • Arachnoid mater: The middle protective layer, thin and delicate.
  • Pia mater: The innermost layer, made of connective tissue.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • TBI is a disruption of the brain's normal function caused by external force.
  • It is a common cause of death and disability, especially in Canadians under 40.
  • Two types: primary and secondary.
    • Primary: Direct impact to the brain. Can be focal (one area) or diffuse (multiple areas).
    • Secondary: Results from the primary injury. Examples include cerebral swelling, inflammation, and increased intracranial pressure.
  • Focal Brain Injuries: Result from closed (blunt) or open (penetrating) trauma.
    • Closed trauma: Most common, dura remains intact. Can cause coup injury (at the impact site) and contrecoup injury (on the opposite side).
    • Open brain injury: Trauma penetrates the dura mater (e.g., crush injuries).

Hematomas

  • Hematomas are collections of blood within the skull.
    • Epidural hematoma: Blood collects between the skull and the dura mater.
      • Often caused by arterial bleeding, an emergency needing rapid surgical intervention.
    • Subdural hematoma: Blood collects between the arachnoid and pia mater.
      • Often venous, develops more slowly.

Other Brain Injuries

  • Acute subdural hematomas occur within 48 hours of injury.
  • Subacute subdural hematomas occur 2-14 days after injury.
  • Chronic subdural hematomas occur weeks or months after injury.
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage: Bleeding within the brain tissue.
    • Often associated with contusions. Occurs in 2-3% of persons with head injuries. Can lead to increased intracranial pressure and cerebral edema.
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI): Widespread axonal injury (shearing, tearing, or stretching of nerve fibers), often in severe brain injuries. Results from mild, moderate, or severe brain injury (12-24 hours post-injury). Signs include decreased level of consciousness, increased intracranial pressure, and cerebral edema.

Classifications of DAI

  • Mild concussion
    • Mild but immediate clinical manifestations, CSF pressure rises, EEG/ECG changes.
    • Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score of 13-15.
    • Confusion lasting 1-several minutes with amnesia, headache and nervousness a few days later.
  • Classic cerebral concussion
    • Loss of consciousness (LOC) less than 6 hours with amnesia, confusion, transient cessation of respiration, and vital signs stabilizing within minutes.

Cerebral Vascular Disorders (Stroke)

  • Ischemic stroke: Blockage of blood flow to the brain.
    • Thrombotic: Blood clot forming in the artery supplying the brain.
    • Embolic: Blood clot breaking away from another part of the body and blocking a brain artery.
    • Lacunar: Occlusion of a deep perforating artery, causing ischemic lesions.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke: Bleeding in the brain.
    • Hypertension is the main cause.
    • Can lead to cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)

  • TIAs are brief episodes of neurological dysfunction (less than an hour) due to an ischemic event.
  • Considered warning signs for future strokes (within 90 days).

Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)

  • The intracranial space (brain tissue, blood, CSF) is enclosed.
  • Any increase in one component can lead to increased ICP.
  • Various conditions like cerebral neoplasms (tumors), contusions, abscesses, cerebral edema, hematomas, hemorrhages, metabolic and physiological factors and vascular anomalies can lead to increased intracranial pressure.

Compensatory Mechanisms

  • The body employs mechanisms to prevent elevated ICP. Includes CSF volume compensation, blood volume compensation, and brain tissue compensation.

Cerebral Blood Flow and Autoregulation

  • The brain needs consistent oxygen and glucose supply. Autoregulation is the brain's ability to change blood vessel diameter for maintaining consistent blood flow even with blood pressure changes.

Cerebral Edema

  • Increased fluid content in the brain's tissues.
    • Vasogenic: Increased permeability of capillaries allows plasma proteins to leak into extra-cellular space (fluid accumulation).
    • Cytotoxic: Cellular swelling due to oxygen deprivation and dysfunction.
    • Interstitial: Due to fluid buildup in extracellular spaces, usually seen in hydrocephalus.

Clinical Manifestations of Increased ICP

  • Various changes, including sluggish or fixed pupils, blurred/double vision, and motor function impairment, headache, and vomiting.

Diagnosis and Management of Increased ICP

  • Diagnosis involves CT scans, MRIs, and ICP monitoring.
  • Management strategies include ICP monitoring, surgical intervention (e.g., mass removal, hematoma evacuation), osmotic diuretics (mannitol), and steroids.

Brain Herniation

  • Increased ICP force brain tissue to shift inappropriately, putting pressure on vital structures, especially the brainstem.
  • A life-threatening emergency.

Treatment for Herniation

  • Immediate interventions such as CSF drainage, steroid administration, mannitol, intubation, and sometimes surgery (removal of part of the skull or brain tissue).

Additional Notes

  • Nutritional therapy may be critical in treating TBI, as early initiation of nutrition can improve outcomes.
  • Mechanical ventilation may be necessary to support breathing and oxygenation in severe cases of brain injury.
  • Corticosteroids can decrease vasogenic edema but not routinely used in head injuries.

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Explore the protective structures of the brain, including the meninges and the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI). This quiz delves into the types of TBI and their effects on brain function. Understand the differences between primary and secondary injuries, as well as focal brain injuries.

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