Traumatic Brain Injuries *Part 5* (Closed head injury MOST DANGEROUS)

Simple Nursing7 minutes read

Open head injuries carry a higher infection risk, while closed head injuries raise concerns about intracranial pressure and spinal cord problems. CSF drainage from ears or neck could signal a basilar fracture, and closed head injuries include contusions, concussions, and lacerations without skull damage.

Insights

  • Open head injuries allow for pressure release due to swelling, reducing the risk of increased intracranial pressure, while closed head injuries lack this release mechanism, leading to potential pressure buildup.
  • CSF drainage from ears or neck signifies a basilar fracture with the risk of carotid artery laceration, highlighting the potential for severe hemorrhage and emphasizing the critical need for immediate medical attention.

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Recent questions

  • What are the risks associated with open head injuries?

    Open head injuries pose a high risk of infection due to exposure of the brain to external contaminants.

  • How do closed head injuries differ from open head injuries?

    Closed head injuries do not involve a break in the skull, leading to increased intracranial pressure and spinal cord issues.

  • What does CSF drainage from ears or neck indicate?

    CSF drainage from ears or neck indicates a basilar fracture, potentially involving the carotid artery and posing a risk of hemorrhage.

  • What are the types of closed head injuries?

    Closed head injuries include contusions (brain bruises), concussions (brain rattling), and lacerations that do not affect skull integrity.

  • How do coup and contra coup injuries occur?

    Coup injuries occur on the impact side, while contra coup injuries occur on the opposite side, often seen in shaken baby syndrome due to brain movement within the skull.

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Summary

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Head injuries: types, risks, and symptoms.

  • Open head injuries pose a high risk of infection, while closed head injuries increase the risk of intracranial pressure and spinal cord issues.
  • Open head injuries allow for pressure release due to swelling, similar to a bruise, while closed head injuries lack this release, leading to increased intracranial pressure.
  • CSF drainage from ears or neck indicates a basilar fracture, with potential laceration of the carotid artery, posing a risk of hemorrhage.
  • Closed head injuries encompass contusions (brain bruises), concussions (brain rattling), and lacerations that don't affect skull integrity.
  • Contusions can result from various impacts like falls or blows, with coup injuries occurring on the impact side and contra coup injuries on the opposite side, often seen in shaken baby syndrome.
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