Head and Spine Trauma
Information Covered:
- Incidence
- Morbidity
- Mortality
- Anatomy and Physiology of the Brain and Spine
- Spine
- Spinous process
- Cervical
- Thoracic
- Lumbar
- Spinal Fluid
- Spinal Cord
- Brain
- Types of Skull Fractures
- Basal
- Compressed
- Open
- Linear
- Types of Brain injuries
- Concussion – temporary disruption to brain without injury due to closed trauma
- Contusion – bruise of brain matter, may be diffuse or localized to one area
- Cerebral laceration
- Space occupying lesions
- Epidural bleed – typically arterial with high emergent risk
- Subdural – typically venous, may be acute or chronic
- Penetrating wounds
- Spine
- General Assessment Considerations for Brain Trauma Patients
- Airway and Ventilation
- Mechanism of Injury
- Spinal Immobilization
- Respiratory Status -- brain injuries can cause irregular breathing patterns due to injuries affecting the brain stem
- Complete a Neurological Exam
- Appearance and behavior
- Alert
- Responds to verbal stimuli
- Responds to painful stimuli
- Unresponsive
- Observe posture and motor behavior – appropriate movement
- Facial expression
- Speech and language
- Thoughts and perceptions
- Logical
- Ability to make decisions
- Memory and attention
- Assess orientation
- person
- place
- time
- purpose
- Knowledge of recent events
- Assess orientation
- Pupils
- Vital signs
- Blood pressure
- Pulse rate – may be slower than normal if severe head injury
- Appearance and behavior
- Management Considerations With Brain Trauma
- Transport Considerations
- Refer to Brain Injury Foundation Guidelines
- Age-Related Variations for Pediatric and Geriatric Assessment and Management of Brain Injury
- Pediatric
- Geriatric
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Types of Associated Spinal Injuries
- General Assessment Considerations in Spinal Trauma
- Often present with other injuries
- Neurological examination considerations
- History for patient with suspected spinal trauma
- General Management Considerations With Spinal Trauma
- Age-Related Variations for Pediatric and Geriatric Assessment and Management of Spinal Injury
- Pediatric
Content Creator: James Stone
CAPCE Course Number: 20-EMTP-F3-2104
NJ Course Number: 141115
Total CE Hours: 1
Level: Basic
EMT-CE uses the NEMSES guidelines as the foundation for every course outline.