Brain Benders
This type of brain injury is caused by external physical force and involves altered consciousness.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
This hematoma is arterial, rapid, and often involves the middle meningeal artery.
What is an epidural hematoma?
This temporary neurological event resolves within 24 hours and warns of future stroke.
What is a TIA (transient ischemic attack)?
This type of SCI involves temporary loss of function below the injury and may last days to weeks.
What is spinal shock?
This nerve (CN I) may be damaged in 7% of head injuries due to shearing.
What is the olfactory nerve?
This mild form of TBI involves axonal shear and may occur without loss of consciousness.
What is a concussion?
This hematoma is venous, slower, and caused by tearing of bridging veins.
What is a subdural hematoma?
This hemorrhage presents as the “worst headache of my life.”
What is aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage?
This incomplete SCI causes ipsilateral motor loss and contralateral pain/temperature loss.
What is Brown‑Sequard syndrome?
A negative doll’s eye reflex indicates severe dysfunction of this structure.
What is the brainstem?
This breathing pattern is associated with pontine or midbrain lesions.
What is hyperventilation?
This skull fracture causes CSF leakage and “raccoon eyes.”
What is a basilar skull fracture?
This region of reversible ischemia surrounds the infarct core.
What is the penumbra?
These two emergency red‑flag symptoms indicate cauda equina syndrome.
What are saddle anesthesia and urinary retention?
Conjugate lateral deviation of the eyes may indicate injury to this brain region.
What is the ipsilateral hemisphere?