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Clinical Neuro Exam 1 > Path: CNS trauma > Flashcards

Flashcards in Path: CNS trauma Deck (13)
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0
Q

Describe Cushing’s Reflex

A

Increased intracranial pressure (like from hemorrhage) leads to compression of the cerebral venous system and decreased blood flow to the brain. The medulla responds by releasing a sympathetic response leading to arterial constriction to raise blood pressure.

The baroceptors sense increased BP and decrease the heart rate with a parasympathetic response.

Overall: increased BP and bradycardia

1
Q

What vessel is involved in an epidural hematoma and where does blood accumulate?

A

Middle Meningeal Artery

Accumulation between the calvaria and dura

2
Q

What causes loss of consiousness during a concussion?

A

Sudden cessation of signals from the brain to the reticular formation in the brainstem.

3
Q

What vessels are involved in a subdural hematoma and where does the blood accumulate?

A

Bridging cerebral veins

-blood accumulates between the dura and arachnoid mater

4
Q

What is the major problem with subdural hematomas?

A

When the low pressure veins rupture, often the blood clots and forms a thrombus. The thrombus can detach causing rebleeding. Often this blood ends up in the CSF and can be detected in lumbar puncture.

5
Q

What is a cerebral contusion?

A

Traumatic bruise on the brain’s surface usually caused by trauma that forces the brain to impact the skull.

6
Q

Most common congenital vascular malformation.

A

Arteriovenous Malformation

-very common cause of stroke and very difficult to treat.

7
Q

What is a berry aneurysm?

A

Saccular aneurysm usually resulting from a weakened arterial wall. Common sites are around the circle of willis.

8
Q

What is an atherosclerotic aneurysm?

A

Fusiform aneurysm that involves an outpouching of both walls of a blood vessel. Bleed mainly into the putamen.

9
Q

What is a Charcot-Brouchard aneurysm.

A

Aneurysm caused by thickened vascular walls and lipid deposits that result in hypertension.

10
Q

What is the greatest hemorrhage risk in premature infants?

A

Hemorrhages into the ventricular system

11
Q

Most common cause of watershed infarcts.

A

Global ischemia caused by myocardial infarction, hemorrhage, or some other type of impaired blood flow to the brain.

12
Q

Most common cause of ischemia and cerebral infarct.

A

Occlusive disease such as emboli or atherosclerosis.