Head Injury
&
Stroke
1
Definition
(HEAD INJURY)
Head injury refers to any physical damage to the head,
encompassing the scalp, skull, and brain. These injuries
can vary greatly in severity, from minor bumps to severe
traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and are often caused by
events like falls, sports incidents, vehicle accidents, or
assaults.
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Risk Factor
(HEAD INJURY)
Most at risk
1. older adult
2. children
3. men
4. workplace
ex.construction, delivery
personnel, etc
3
Causes:
(HEAD INJURY)
The five causes of Head Injury:
1. Falls
2. Motor Vehicle Accidents
3. Sports Injuries
4. Assaults
5. Combat Injuries
4
Signs & Symptoms
(HEAD INJURY)
5
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
(HEAD INJURY)
6
Types
(HEAD INJURY)
The main types of head injuries:
1. Concussion
• A mild traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head.
2. Contusion
• A bruise on the brain tissue, usually from a direct impact.
3. Skull Fracture
• Can be open (with a wound) or closed.
4. Hematoma
• A collection of blood in or around the brain.
Types include:
• Epidural Hematoma: bleeding between the skull and the outer brain layer.
• Subdural Hematoma: bleeding between the brain and its outer covering.
• Intracerebral Hematoma: bleeding within the brain tissue itself.
5. Diffuse Axonal Injury (DAI)
• It is a serious injury that may lead to coma or permanent damage.
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Diagnostic Test
(HEAD INJURY)
CT scan
MRI
Skull radiographs
Blood tests:
Neurological Exams:
Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS)
Neuropsychological testing
Eye movement tests
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring:
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Management:
(HEAD INJURY)
Head injury management involves assessing the severity of the injury, stabilizing the patient, and providing appropriate
treatment, which may include medical interventions, imaging, and follow-up care.
Initial Assessment and Stabilization:
Stabilize the head and neck: Place hands on both sides of the person's head to prevent movement and keep the head in line
with the spine..
• Stop bleeding: Apply firm pressure to any wounds with a clean cloth, unless a skull fracture is suspected.
• Check vital signs: Monitor breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure.
• Assess mental status: Check for alertness, memory, and orientation.
• Test basic brain functions: Assess pupil size and response to light, reactions to sensations, and ability to move limbs.
Medical Interventions:
• Oxygen and ventilation: Ensure adequate oxygen intake and ventilation, especially in severe cases.
• Intracranial pressure management: Monitor and manage intracranial pressure (ICP) to prevent further brain damage.
• Imaging: Use CT scans or MRI to evaluate for structural damage, such as fractures, hematomas, or contusions.
• Surgical interventions: May be necessary for significant intracranial injuries, such as depressed fractures or large
hematomas.
• Medications: Medications like mannitol or hypertonic saline may be used to reduce brain swelling and ICP.
• Anticonvulsants: May be prescribed to prevent seizures, especially in severe cases.
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Stroke
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Definition
A stroke is defined as the clinical syndrome of rapid onset
of cerebral deficit lasting more than 24 hours or leading to
death with no apparent cause other than a vascular one.
A stroke is a rapid loss of brain function due to the
disturbance in the blood supply to brain. It happens when
blood flow to a part of the brain stops and it is sometimes
called a "brain attack"
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Risk Factor
(STROKE)
Modifiable Non-Modifiable
Obesity Age (over 65 y/o)
Poor diet Gender (Men & Women)
Lack of physical activity Race (African American)
High blood Family history
Smoking
High Cholesterol
Diabetes
Excessive alcohol consumption
Atrial fibrillation
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Causes: (STROKE)
1. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE 5. LACK OF EXERCISE
• Most common cause • Can lead to weight gain and heart problems
• Damages blood vessels in the brain
6. UNHEALTHY DIET
2. SMOKING • Too much salty or fatty food raises blood pressure
• Narrows blood vessels and cholesterol
• Raises blood pressure
7. ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE
3. DIABETES
• Can damage blood vessels and raise stroke risk
• Affects blood flow
• Increases risk of clots
8. AGE AND FAMILY HISTORY
• Older people and those with family history are
4. HIGH CHOLESTEROL
more at risk
• Causes fat to build up in blood vessels
• Can block blood flow to the brain
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Signs & Symptoms
(STROKE)
(BE FAST MNEMONIC)
•BALANCE
•EYES
•FACE
•ARM
•SPEECH
•TIME
Other symptoms: confusion, headache,
dizziness,vision loss, and difficulty of
walking.
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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
(STROKE)
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Types
(STROKE)
The types of Stroke:
1. Ischemic Stroke
• Caused by a blocked blood vessel in the brain
Types of Ischemic Stroke:
• Thrombotic: Clot forms in brain artery
•Embolic: Clot travels from another part of the body
2. Hemorrhagic Stroke
• Caused by a ruptured blood vessel in the brain
Types of Hemorrhagic Stroke:
•Intracerebral: Bleeding inside brain tissue
• Subarachnoid: Bleeding on brain surface (often from aneurysm)
3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain
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Diagnostic Test
(STROKE)
Physical & neurological test
CT Scan
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Carotid Ultrasound
Blood Test
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Management:
(STROKE)
1 Immediate Action (Emergency)
Call emergency services right away
Act fast if you notice stroke signs (use F.A.S.T.)
2. Hospital Treatment
For Ischemic Stroke (blockage):
Give clot-busting medicine (within a few hours)
For Hemorrhagic Stroke (bleeding):
Surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding or reduce pressure
3. Monitoring and Support
Patient stays in the hospital for close observation
Doctors check brain activity, breathing, and heart function
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Management:
(STROKE)
4. Rehabilitation (Recovery)
Physical therapy – helps with strength and movement
Speech therapy – for problems with talking or swallowing
Occupational therapy – to help with daily tasks like dressing or eating
5. Long-Term Care and Prevention
Take medicine regularly
Control blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol
Eat healthy food and stay active
Stop smoking and avoid too much alcohol
Regular check-ups with a doctor
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QUESTIONS
1. Which of the following symptoms is considered a "red flag" after a head
injury, indicating the need for immediate medical attention at a hospital in
Dagupan?
A. Mild headache that improves with rest.
B. Brief dizziness upon standing up.
C. Repeated vomiting.
D. A small cut on the forehead that is no longer bleeding.
Answer: C. Repeated vomiting
Rationale: Persistent or forceful vomiting after a head injury can be a sign of
increased intracranial pressure, which is a serious complication requiring
immediate medical evaluation.
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QUESTIONS
2. What is the primary goal of initial management for a severe TBI patient in an
emergency room?
A. To immediately begin cognitive rehabilitation therapy.
B. To stabilize vital signs and prevent secondary brain injury.
C. To perform detailed neuropsychological testing.
D. To transfer the patient to a rehabilitation center.
Answer: B. To stabilize vital signs and prevent secondary brain injury.
Rationale: The immediate focus is on ensuring adequate oxygenation, blood
pressure, and preventing complications like swelling or further damage to the brain.
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QUESTIONS
3. Patient Tina, who has high blood pressure, calls you and says she suddenly feels very weak on her right
side and is having trouble understanding what you are saying. She says she'll just lie down for a bit. What
is the BEST course of action?
A. Tell her to monitor the symptoms and call his doctor in the morning.
B. Suggest her take some pain relievers and try to relax.
C. Urge her to call for immediate medical help or have someone take her to the nearest emergency room.
D. Assume it's just fatigue due to her high blood pressure medication.
Answer: C. Urge her to call for immediate medical help or have someone take her to the nearest
emergency room.
Rationale: Patient Tina is exhibiting signs and symptoms strongly suggestive of a stroke. The sudden
onset of unilateral weakness (right-sided) and difficulty understanding speech (receptive aphasia) are
classic neurological deficits that require immediate medical attention.
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QUESTIONS
4. Mr. Danny has just been diagnosed with an ischemic stroke. They are receiving treatment to restore
blood flow to their brain. Which of the following is the PRIMARY goal of this immediate treatment?
A. To manage any pain associated with the stroke.
B. To lower their blood pressure to prevent future strokes.
C. To begin long-term rehabilitation therapy.
D. To minimize brain damage by restoring blood flow as quickly as possible.
Answer: D. To minimize brain damage by restoring blood flow as quickly as possible.
Rationale: An ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage of blood flow to the brain. Brain cells are highly
sensitive to oxygen deprivation, and irreversible damage can occur within minutes. The primary goal of
immediate treatment, such as thrombolytic drugs (clot-busters) or mechanical thrombectomy, is to
remove the blockage and restore blood flow to the affected area as rapidly as possible to salvage brain
tissue and limit the extent of neurological deficits.
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QUESTIONS
5. You are caring for your grandmother who had a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) last week. Today, she
mentions having another brief episode of weakness in her left arm that lasted only a few minutes and then
resolved completely. What should you do?
A. Reassure her that it's probably just a lingering effect of the TIA.
B.Advise her to contact her doctor immediately to report these recurring symptoms.
C.Tell her to take it easy and avoid strenuous activities.
D. Monitor her for any other symptoms and wait until her next scheduled doctor's appointment.
Answer: B. Advise her to contact her doctor immediately to report these recurring symptoms.
Rationale: A Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) is often a warning sign of a higher risk for a full stroke in the near future.
Experiencing another episode of neurological symptoms, even if they resolve quickly, indicates that the underlying issue
causing the TIAs is still present and potentially worsening. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary to identify the cause
of the recurring TIAs and implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of a major stroke.
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Thank
You
25
Group 5
1. Magabo, Claire
2. Maiquez, Reich Jan J.
3. Millio, Jennifer B.
4. Mones, Cristina Caren T.
5. Munar, Leila Francheska A.
6. Obillo, Nicole Angela G.
7. Paglingayen, Kyra Jane G.
8. Pascual, Reizalyn M.
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