NREMT® Paramedic > EMT-P (3) Trauma > Head and Spine Trauma > Flashcards

Head and Spine Trauma Flashcards

Learn the different interventions and causes of Head and Spine trauma (58 cards)

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1
Q

What are the layers of scalp?

A
  • Hair and skin
  • Subcutaneous tissue
  • Galea Aponeurotica
  • Loose connective tissue
  • Periosteum: covers the surface of the bone
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2
Q

Define:

Foramen Magnum

A

A large opening at the base of the skull where the brain connects to the spinal cord.

It is the location where the brain can herniate.

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3
Q

What is the purpose of sutures on the skull?

A

It connects the different sections of bones on the skull.

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4
Q

What is the purpose of fontanelles?

A

They are soft spaces between skull bones that allow for brain growth and flexibility in infants.

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5
Q

Define:

Crista Galli

A

A prominent bony ridge in the center of the anterior fossa and is the point of attachment for meninges.

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6
Q

Define:

Cribriform Plate

A

A passage for olfactory nerve filaments from the nasal cavity.

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7
Q

What is the function of the olfactory nerves?

A

smell

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8
Q

What are the major regions of the brain?

A
  • Cerebellum
  • Diencephelon
  • Brainstem
  • Cerebrum
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9
Q

What is the function of the Frontal lobe?

A

Voluntary motor actions and emotion.

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10
Q

What is the function of the Parietal lobe?

A
  • voluntary sensory and motor functions
  • memory and emotions
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11
Q

What is the function of the Occipital lobe?

A

vision

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12
Q

What is the function of the Temporal lobe?

A

speech

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13
Q

What is the function of the Limbic System?

A
  • motivation
  • emotions
  • mood
  • sensations of pain and pleasure
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14
Q

Define:

Meninges

A

A protective layer that surrounds the brain and spinal cords.

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15
Q

What are the layers of Meninges?

List from top to bottom.

A
  • Dura
  • Arachnoid
  • Pia

Remember using the acronym “DAP”.

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16
Q

_______ ______ _____ is manufactured in the ventricles of the brain.

A

Cerebral spinal fluid

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17
Q

What is the function of Subarachnoid Space?

A

The space where the CSF flows.

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18
Q

What are the components of the vertebrae?

A
  • Spinous Process
  • Pericles
  • Lamina
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19
Q

How many pairs of spinal nerves are there in the human body?

A

31

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20
Q

What is the function of facial and trigeminal nerve?

A
  • Facial nerve: facial movement
  • Trigeminal nerve: facial sensation and chewing
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21
Q

What are the MOI criteria that suggest a possible spinal injury?

A
  • Greater than 40 mph crash.
  • Unrestrained occupant.
  • 12 inch intrusion to vehicle.
  • Fall from three times the person’s height.
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22
Q

What happens to the brain during a coup contra coup injury?

A
  • Brain hits front of head.
  • Brain hits back of the head.
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23
Q

Fill in the blank:

You need at least ____ mmHg of Cerebral Perfusion Pressure to perfuse the brain.

A

60

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24
Q

Treatment:

Hypotension with head injury

Study These Flashcards
A

IVF 20 ml/kg

Blood pressure must be sustained at >110-120 mmHg systolic.

25
# Fill in the blanks: Injury to **\_\_\_\_** to **\_\_\_** may impair breathing due to phrenic nerve involvement. ## Footnote Hint: cervical vertebrae
C3, C5
26
# Fill in the blank: Consider **RSI** in a **head injury** if **GCS** is < \_\_\_.
8
27
# Treatment: RSI with ICP
* **Preoxygenate** * Administer **lidocaine** 1–1.5 mg/kg IV (optional), followed by sedative and paralytic. * Use **two-man intubation** to stabilize the head.
28
What are the **three ICP grades** and its indications?
**Mild**: * pupils reactive * increased BP * Cheyne-Stokes respirations * headache * vomiting **Moderate**: * widened pulse pressure * pupils sluggish * bradycardia * Kussmaul respirations * decerebrate posturing **Severe**: * irregular bradycardic pulse * widened BP * Biot respirations * blown pupils unilaterally * decorticate posturing
29
# Define: Babinski Reflex
The toes move upward in response to stimulation of the sole of the foot. ## Footnote In normal circumstances, the toes move downward.
30
What are the indications of **Basilar skull fracture**?
* CSF drainage * raccoon eyes * battle signs ## Footnote Signs may be delayed, appearing up to 24 hours post-injury.
31
What are the **primary** and **secondary** injuries of a **TBI**?
* **Primary**: injury from impact * **Secondary**: edema, ICP, cerebral ischemia after the injury
32
What is the **normal ICP**?
0-15 mmHg
33
# Define: brain herniation
The brain is forced through the **foramen magnum**.
34
What are the indications of the **Cushing's triad**?
* Hypertension (widening pulse pressures) * Bradycardia * Irregular respirations
35
What is a **diffuse brain injury**?
A **brain injury** that results in widespread dysfunction without a **focal lesion**.
36
What causes a **cerebral concussion**?
When the **brain is jarred** in the cranial vault.
37
# Define: Retrograde Amnesia
**Inability to recall memories** that were formed _before_ the onset of amnesia.
38
# Define Anterograde Amnesia
**Inability to recall memories** that were formed _after_ the onset of amnesia.
39
# Define: Diffuse Axonal Injury | DAI
**Stretching of brain tissue** from **twisting** motion at brainstem. ## Footnote Typically caused from high-speed collision forces.
40
What are the **signs/symptoms** of **epidural hematoma**?
* brief loss of consciousness * lucid interval * rapid deterioration
41
What are the **signs/symptoms** of **subdural hematoma**?
* Slurred speech * Unilateral Hemiparesis ## Footnote Venous bleed that takes longer to show signs/symptoms.
42
What are the **signs/symptoms** of **subarachnoid hematoma**?
* sudden severe headache * posturing * vomiting * decrease LOC * seizures
43
# Treatment: exposed brain tissue
**Cover** with **moist, sterile dressings**.
44
What are the **complications** of **scalp lacerations**?
serious **blood loss**
45
What is the cause of **flexion injuries**?
A **sudden forward movement** of the neck.
46
# Define: subluxation
**Partial dislocation** of the **spinal column**.
47
What is the cause of **vertical compression**?
**Forces transmitted through the spine** from feet or head.
48
What is the cause of **hyperextension**?
**Head and neck** extend **backwards**.
49
What are the **primary** and **secondary** injuries of a **spinal cord injury**?
* **Primary**: injury at impact * **Secondary**: edema after impact
50
What are the **signs/symptoms** of **Anterior Cord Syndrome**?
* Decreased **movement**. * Loss of sensation to **touch, temperature, and pain**.
51
What are the **signs/symptoms** of **Central Cord Syndrome**?
* Decreased **sensation**. * Loss of **sensation to pain and temperature**.
52
What are the **signs/symptoms** of **Posterior Cord Syndrome**?
Loss of **sensation to light**, **vibration**, and **perception of one's body**.
53
# Define: Cauda Equina Syndrome
Compression of distal nerve roots. | Horse's Tail
54
# Define: Brown-Séquard Syndrome
Damage to hemisection of cord causing symptoms on **one half of the lateral body**.
55
How should **rapid extrication with C-spine** precautions be performed?
**Hold C-spine** and extract in **one full motion quickly**.
56
**When** do you **remove a helmet** with suspected spinal injury?
* Remove if chin strap and helmet fail to hold head in line. * Prevents immobilization for transport. * Prevents adequate airway control.
57
How do you treat **C-Spine in the water**?
Completely board and strap patient in water **before moving to land**.
58
What is the formula for **cerebral perfusion pressure**? | CPP
CPP= (MAP)−(ICP)
EMT-P (3) Trauma
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