Head and Spine Trauma
Central Nervous System (CNS): - (answer)brain + spinal cord
2 main trauma categories
Head trauma = - (answer)includes closed/open head injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injury (SCI) = - (answer)primary and secondary damage
Anatomy & Meninges - (answer)CNS is protected by the meninges, skull, and vertebrae
Damage can cause profound neurologic dysfunction
What are the key components of assessing disability and exposure in head and spine trauma? -
(answer)Reassess mental status and response to stimuli, evaluate motor/sensory function in all
extremities, palpate spine for deformity, step-offs, tenderness, crepitus, expose and inspect for
penetrating trauma.
What scale is used to assess the level of consciousness in head and spine trauma? - (answer)AVPU and
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
What does a change in level of consciousness indicate in head and spine trauma? - (answer)It is the most
important sign of brain dysfunction.
What is the recommended plan for a patient with head and spine trauma? - (answer)Rapid transport to
trauma center, consider air medical transport, anticipate need for surgery.
What are the methods of spinal immobilization for critical patients? - (answer)Backboard, scoop
stretcher, or similar device.
, Head and Spine Trauma
When should critical patients be immobilized during assessment? - (answer)After the primary survey,
followed by rapid transport.
When should noncritical patients be immobilized during assessment? - (answer)After the secondary
assessment.
What are the reliable patient criteria for spinal immobilization? - (answer)Alert, oriented, no
intoxication, no distracting injury.
Closed Head Injury - (answer)Head and Spine Trauma
Most common, due to blunt trauma
Brain tissue not exposed
Can be focal (localized) or diffuse
Open Head Injury - (answer)Penetrating mechanism
Brain tissue exposed
High risk of infection and mortality
Scalp Lacerations - (answer)May bleed heavily
Don't explore → may disrupt clots
Control bleeding, dress appropriately
Central Nervous System (CNS): - (answer)brain + spinal cord
2 main trauma categories
Head trauma = - (answer)includes closed/open head injuries, traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injury (SCI) = - (answer)primary and secondary damage
Anatomy & Meninges - (answer)CNS is protected by the meninges, skull, and vertebrae
Damage can cause profound neurologic dysfunction
What are the key components of assessing disability and exposure in head and spine trauma? -
(answer)Reassess mental status and response to stimuli, evaluate motor/sensory function in all
extremities, palpate spine for deformity, step-offs, tenderness, crepitus, expose and inspect for
penetrating trauma.
What scale is used to assess the level of consciousness in head and spine trauma? - (answer)AVPU and
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
What does a change in level of consciousness indicate in head and spine trauma? - (answer)It is the most
important sign of brain dysfunction.
What is the recommended plan for a patient with head and spine trauma? - (answer)Rapid transport to
trauma center, consider air medical transport, anticipate need for surgery.
What are the methods of spinal immobilization for critical patients? - (answer)Backboard, scoop
stretcher, or similar device.
, Head and Spine Trauma
When should critical patients be immobilized during assessment? - (answer)After the primary survey,
followed by rapid transport.
When should noncritical patients be immobilized during assessment? - (answer)After the secondary
assessment.
What are the reliable patient criteria for spinal immobilization? - (answer)Alert, oriented, no
intoxication, no distracting injury.
Closed Head Injury - (answer)Head and Spine Trauma
Most common, due to blunt trauma
Brain tissue not exposed
Can be focal (localized) or diffuse
Open Head Injury - (answer)Penetrating mechanism
Brain tissue exposed
High risk of infection and mortality
Scalp Lacerations - (answer)May bleed heavily
Don't explore → may disrupt clots
Control bleeding, dress appropriately
