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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Protects the brain and spinal cord against impact
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Meninges
Layers of tissues that protect the surface of the brain
- Dura Mater
- Arachnoid
- Pia Mater
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Epidural
Bleeding that occurs between the dura mater and the skull
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Subdural Bleeding
Occurs beneath the dura and is usually venous
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Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Bleeding that occurs between the arachnoid membrane and the surface of the brain
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Cerebrum
- Largest part of the brain
- Two hemispheres right and left
- Each hemisphere four distinct lobes: frontal, parietal, occipital, temporal
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Cerebellum
Little brain; controls equilibrium and coordinates muscle activities
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Brainstem
Controls most automatic functions of the body, including cardiac, respiratory, vasomotor, and other functions vital to life
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Linear Skull Fracture
Most common; resembles a line
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Depressed Skull Fracture
Occurs when the bone ends are pushed inward toward the brain
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Basilar Skull Fracture
Fracture to the floor or bottom of the cranium
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Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
Injury to the brain that results from shearing, tearing and stretching of nerve fibers
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Concussion
- Normal mild diffuse axonal injury which involves stretching, tearing, and shearing of brain tissue
- Normally causes some disturbance in brain function ranging from momentary confusion to complete loss of responsiveness, and usually causes headache
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Contusion
Bruising and swelling of the brain tissue
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Subdural Hematoma
- A collection of blood between the dura mater and the arachnoid layer.
- Typically due to low-pressure venous bleeding
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Epidural Hematoma
Arterial or venous bleeding pools between the skull and the dura
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Laceration
Permanent injury, almost always results in bleeding, and can cause massive disruption of the nervous system
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Brain Herniation
Compression of the brain
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Consensual Reflex
Same or similar reaction of the unstimulated pupil when the other pupil is stimulated
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Raccoon Sign
- Purplish discoloration of the soft tissues around one or both eyes
- May be an indication of intracranial injury
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Battle Sign
A purplish discoloration of the mastoid area behind the ear; delayed and very late sign of basilar skull fracture
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Cushing Reflex
- The systolic blood pressure increases and the heart rate decreases
- Sign of severe head injury, increasing intracranial pressure, and possible herniation
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Retrograde Amnesia
The patient is unable to remember circumstances leading up to the incident
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Anterograde Amnesia
The patient is unable to remember circumstance after the incident
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