What it means
Brain injury from falls, car crashes, sports, assaults or blasts. It ranges from mild (a concussion) to severe. Damage can come from the first impact and also from later swelling, bleeding and raised intracranial pressurein-truh-KRAY-nee-ul PRESH-erThe pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.intra- insidecrani/o skull-al relating toFull entry . Effects may include problems with thinking, memory, mood, movement and speech, and can be long-lasting.
For the nurse
Do frequent neuro checks and report any drop in level of consciousness, a new unequal pupil, vomiting or a worsening headache. Clear fluid from the nose or ears may be cerebrospinal fluid. Keep the head of the bed raised as ordered and the head and neck in line.
At a glance
| Spanish | lesión cerebral traumática |
|---|---|
| Also written | TBI, traumatic brain injuries, traumatic-brain-injury |
Related terms
intracranial pressure
The pressure inside the skull, made by the brain, the blood and the fluid around the brain.
level of consciousness
How awake, alert and aware of their surroundings a person is.
coma
A deep state of unconsciousness in which a person cannot be woken and does not respond with purpose.
cerebrospinal fluid
The clear, watery fluid that bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord.