Traumatic Brain Injury Quiz: Trivia Exam!

It is estimated that between 50% and 70% of traumatic brain injuries are the result of a motor vehicle accident, according to AANS. Among US children and adolescents, 21% of traumatic brain injuries can be attributed to accidents from sports and recreational activities.

The correct answer is "All of the above." This is because falls, motor vehicle accidents, assaults, and sports-related injuries (such as concussions) are all leading causes of brain injury.

Cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is a measure of the pressure required to ensure adequate blood flow to the brain. It is calculated by subtracting the intracranial pressure (ICP) from the mean arterial pressure (MAP). This calculation takes into account the pressure exerted by the blood flowing through the arteries and the pressure within the skull. A higher CPP indicates better blood flow to the brain, which is essential for maintaining brain function. Therefore, the correct answer is MAP - ICP.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), there are approximately 1.7 million cases of traumatic brain injury in the United States each year. And in the United States, there are approximately 5.3 million individuals who live with a disability caused by a traumatic brain injury.

It is estimated that 50,000 US individuals die from a traumatic brain injury each year. Of those who die, 50% do so within the first 2 hours of their injury, according to AANS.

Nationally, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1.4 million people sustain a brain injury each year. Of those, 50,000 dies, 235,00 are hospitalized and 1.1 million are treated and released from the emergency room.

A severe head injury can lead to damage in the brain cells, causing an increase in intracellular calcium levels. This increase in calcium can occur due to the disruption of the blood-brain barrier, which allows calcium ions to enter the cells. High levels of intracellular calcium can trigger various harmful processes, including excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell death. Therefore, an increase in intracellular calcium is a consistent cellular event in patients with severe head injuries.

Pentobarbital is a barbiturate medication that is commonly used to induce a coma-like state in patients. One of the common side effects of pentobarbital coma is hypotension, which refers to low blood pressure. This occurs because pentobarbital acts as a central nervous system depressant, causing relaxation of blood vessels and a decrease in cardiac output. As a result, blood pressure drops, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Hypotension is a well-known and expected side effect of pentobarbital coma.

The mortality risk after a head injury begins to increase at age 30 years, according to AANS. The mortality rate after a traumatic brain injury is highest among individuals aged 60 years or older, though, primarily because of falls.

According to AANS, a traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. While extended periods of unconsciousness might happen in some cases, more mild and moderate cases may result in a brief change in mental state or consciousness.