Nuero Assessment
This is the most basic and critical neurological assessment parameter and can reveal early deterioration.
What is level of consciousness (LOC)?
This formula calculates cerebral perfusion pressure.
What is CPP = MAP − ICP?
This imaging study is commonly used for rapid evaluation of acute head trauma and intracranial bleeding.
What is a CT scan?
This shock state after spinal cord injury is characterized by hypotension and bradycardia.
What is neurogenic shock?
In the initial trauma assessment, this priority is addressed before breathing and circulation.
What is airway protection, with cervical-spine precautions when indicated?
A patient opens their eyes to speech, is confused, and obeys commands. Calculate the GCS.
What is 13? (E3 + V4 + M6)
The normal adult ICP range listed in your notes is this.
What is 0–15 mmHg?
This type of intracranial hematoma develops between the skull and dura mater and is often arterial.
What is an epidural hematoma?
This temporary loss of motor, sensory, and reflex activity below a spinal injury is distinct from circulatory shock.
What is spinal shock?
A patient with severe TBI should generally have their head elevated to approximately this angle, unless contraindicated.
What is 30 degrees?
This abnormal posture involves flexion of the arms toward the chest.
What is decorticate posturing?
These three intracranial components are governed by the Monro–Kellie doctrine.
What are brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid?
This brain injury results from rotational acceleration–deceleration forces that shear axons.
What is diffuse axonal injury (DAI)?
This spinal cord injury mechanism occurs when vertical force compresses the spine, such as landing on the feet after a fall.
What is axial loading/compression?
A trauma patient has clear fluid leaking from the nose after a head injury. Name this finding.
What is CSF rhinorrhea?
A patient has a unilateral, dilated, nonreactive pupil after a head injury. Which cranial nerve is being compressed?
What is cranial nerve III (oculomotor)?
A patient has MAP 85 mmHg and ICP 25 mmHg. Calculate the CPP.
What is 60 mmHg?
An epidural hematoma is commonly arterial. This other type of hematoma, located between the dura and arachnoid, is usually venous.
What is a subdural hematoma?
A spinal cord injury patient retains voluntary perianal contraction despite other neurologic deficits. This finding indicates what?
What is sacral sparing, suggesting incomplete spinal cord injury?
For a patient with severe TBI, these two oxygenation/perfusion problems must be prevented to limit secondary brain injury.
What are hypoxia and hypotension?
A patient has E2, V2, and M3 on the Glasgow Coma Scale. Calculate the score and identify the major concern.
What is GCS 7, severe impairment with likely inability to protect the airway?
A brain-injured patient develops hypertension with widened pulse pressure, bradycardia, and irregular breathing. Name this triad.
What is Cushing's triad?
Following a TBI, a patient becomes hypoxic and hypotensive. These physiologic insults contribute to which category of brain injury?
What is secondary brain injury?
A trauma patient has hypotension, tachycardia, and cool clammy skin. What type of shock must be strongly suspected?
What is hemorrhagic shock?
A ventilated TBI patient has PaCO₂ 55 mmHg. Explain the cerebral vascular response and the possible effect on ICP.
What are cerebral vasodilation, increased cerebral blood volume, and increased ICP?