Condition Lookup

Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury)

Symptoms:
headache; dizziness or balance problems; nausea and vomiting; sensitivity to light or noise; difficulty concentrating or memory problems; fatigue; sleep disturbances (sleeping more or less than usual); irritability or mood changes

Root Cause:
A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow or jolt to the head, resulting in temporary disruption of brain function. This leads to altered brain activity but usually without structural damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on symptoms and history of head injury. A neurological exam and cognitive testing may be used. In some cases, CT or MRI scans may be used to rule out more serious brain injuries.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on rest and gradual return to normal activity. Cognitive and physical rest is recommended in the first 24-48 hours, followed by a gradual increase in activity. It is important to avoid returning to sports or activities that may lead to further injury during the recovery period.

Medications:
Medications are typically used to manage symptoms, such as - Pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol ) for headaches. (Class

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Concussions are common, especially in sports and high-risk activities. It is estimated that there are about 3 million concussions in the U.S. each year.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Participation in contact sports (e.g., football, hockey), history of prior concussions, age (children and adolescents are more vulnerable), lack of protective equipment.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most people recover fully within a few weeks. However, some may experience persistent symptoms (post-concussion syndrome) that last for months.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
In rare cases, concussions can lead to long-term complications, such as post-concussion syndrome (persistent symptoms), second-impact syndrome (a potentially fatal condition where the brain swells after a second concussion before the first has healed), or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which can result from repeated concussions.

Contusion (Brain Bruising)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Head Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness (can be brief); confusion or disorientation; headaches; nausea or vomiting; memory loss; slurred speech; weakness or numbness in limbs; seizures (in severe cases)

Root Cause:
A brain contusion occurs when the brain is bruised, typically due to a direct blow to the head. This leads to bleeding and swelling in the brain tissue, which can cause neurological impairment.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed via imaging studies like CT or MRI scans, which can show the location and extent of the bruising.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on monitoring for any worsening symptoms. Severe cases may require surgery to relieve pressure on the brain. In less severe cases, bed rest, pain management, and neurological monitoring are sufficient.

Medications:
Pain relief is usually given, including - Analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Class

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Brain contusions are less common than concussions but occur frequently in serious trauma, such as car accidents, falls, or violent impact injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact sports, motor vehicle accidents, falls, physical assault, or any activity that poses a risk of head injury.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the size and location of the contusion. Smaller contusions may resolve without long-term effects, while large or deep bruises can lead to permanent neurological impairment or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hematoma formation (blood clot), increased intracranial pressure, seizures, permanent cognitive or motor dysfunction, coma, or death in severe cases.

Epidural hematoma

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness followed by a period of lucidity; severe headache; nausea and vomiting; seizures; focal neurological deficits (e.g., weakness, numbness); increased intracranial pressure (icp), causing confusion or stupor

Root Cause:
Bleeding between the dura mater and the skull, often caused by trauma that ruptures an arterial vessel (commonly the middle meningeal artery).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT scan of the head is the diagnostic test of choice, revealing a lens-shaped mass outside the brain.

Treatment:
Surgical intervention to evacuate the hematoma (craniotomy or burr hole drainage) if there is significant mass effect or neurological deterioration. Monitoring in the ICU for signs of worsening intracranial pressure (ICP).

Medications:
Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen , opioids) for pain relief. Mannitol (osmotic diuretic) to reduce intracranial pressure. Anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures. Sedatives and analgesics (e.g., midazolam , morphine ) for comfort in severe cases.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively rare, but represents 1-3% of all traumatic brain injuries (TBI). More common in young adults due to higher incidence of head trauma.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Head trauma, especially involving high-energy impacts (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls). Use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Skull fractures, particularly temporal bone fractures.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis is generally good, though outcomes depend on the size of the hematoma and the timeliness of surgical intervention. Delayed treatment can result in neurological deficits or death due to brain herniation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Brain herniation (due to increased ICP). Neurological deficits, including paralysis or cognitive impairment. Seizures. Infection at the surgical site or meningitis if untreated.

Subdural hematoma

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage

Symptoms:
headache; drowsiness or confusion; slurred speech; hemiparesis (weakness on one side); seizures; nausea and vomiting

Root Cause:
Bleeding between the dura mater and the arachnoid mater, often due to a tear in the bridging veins caused by trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT scan of the head, showing a crescent-shaped hemorrhage that crosses sutures.

Treatment:
Surgical drainage (craniotomy or burr hole) for larger hematomas or if symptoms worsen. Observation in mild cases without significant mass effect.

Medications:
Pain relief with acetaminophen or opioids. Anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin or levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures. Mannitol to reduce ICP if necessary.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common than epidural hematomas and seen in 10-20% of severe TBIs.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Advanced age (more fragile bridging veins). Use of anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs. Alcoholism (increased likelihood of falls and liver dysfunction).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on hematoma size, severity, and timeliness of surgical intervention. Elderly patients have a poorer prognosis due to slower recovery and increased comorbidities.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Brain herniation. Long-term neurological impairment. Post-traumatic epilepsy.

Subarachnoid hemorrhage

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage

Symptoms:
sudden, severe headache ("thunderclap headache"); nausea and vomiting; neck stiffness; photophobia; loss of consciousness or altered mental state

Root Cause:
Bleeding in the subarachnoid space, usually from a ruptured aneurysm or trauma causing blood to leak into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT scan of the head, which may show blood in the subarachnoid space. If CT is negative, lumbar puncture may reveal blood in the CSF.

Treatment:
Emergency neurosurgical intervention, including clipping or coiling of the ruptured aneurysm. Supportive care, including managing blood pressure and preventing vasospasm.

Medications:
Analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen ) for pain management. Nimodipine (a calcium channel blocker) to prevent vasospasm. Anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam ) if seizures occur.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in about 6-7 cases per 100,000 people annually.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Family history of aneurysms. Hypertension. Smoking and alcohol use. Certain genetic conditions (e.g., polycystic kidney disease).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies based on severity, timing of intervention, and overall health of the individual. High mortality rate if untreated, but with early treatment, many individuals recover.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Vasospasm leading to delayed ischemic injury. Hydrocephalus. Seizures.

Intracerebral hemorrhage

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Traumatic intracranial hemorrhage

Symptoms:
sudden severe headache; loss of consciousness or altered mental state; hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body); nausea and vomiting; speech difficulties; seizures

Root Cause:
Bleeding within the brain tissue, often due to a ruptured artery or arteriovenous malformation, commonly following trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
CT scan or MRI of the brain to visualize the hemorrhage.

Treatment:
Surgical intervention if the hematoma is large or causing significant pressure on the brain. Medical management of blood pressure and coagulation status. Neuroprotective strategies to manage increased intracranial pressure (ICP).

Medications:
Antihypertensives to control blood pressure (e.g., labetalol ). Anticoagulant reversal agents (e.g., vitamin K, fresh frozen plasma) if the patient is on blood thinners. Osmotic agents like mannitol for reducing ICP. Anticonvulsants (e.g., levetiracetam ) if seizures occur.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Represents about 10-15% of all strokes.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Hypertension. Anticoagulant use. Alcohol abuse. Brain tumors or arteriovenous malformations.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the size and location of the hemorrhage, as well as the patient's overall health. Many individuals experience permanent neurological deficits, especially if the hemorrhage is large or in critical areas of the brain.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Brain herniation. Long-term neurological deficits, such as motor or cognitive impairments. Seizures.

Linear fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Skull fractures

Symptoms:
localized pain or tenderness at the fracture site; swelling; possible headache; minor bleeding; bruising around the fracture site

Root Cause:
A linear fracture is a simple, non-displaced break in the skull bone, usually caused by blunt force trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is typically confirmed with a physical examination and imaging techniques, such as X-rays or CT scans, to assess the location and extent of the fracture.

Treatment:
Treatment often involves observation for complications, pain management, and ensuring the fracture does not cause further injury to the brain or blood vessels. In most cases, no surgical intervention is required.

Medications:
Pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol ) or ibuprofen (Advil), which are classified as analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications, may be prescribed for pain and swelling management.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Linear skull fractures are common in head trauma incidents, especially in motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include head trauma, especially in children and the elderly, high-impact sports participation, and accidents.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis is generally good if there is no underlying brain injury or complications. Most patients recover fully with appropriate treatment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include infection, bleeding, or brain injury, especially if the fracture is near critical areas like the sinuses or blood vessels.

Depressed skull fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Skull fractures

Symptoms:
visible depression in the skull; localized pain; possible swelling or bruising; headache; nausea or vomiting; signs of neurological impairment like confusion or loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
A depressed skull fracture occurs when a portion of the skull is pushed inward, typically from a direct blow to the head. This type of fracture can lead to brain injury.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging studies, primarily CT scans or X-rays, to assess the depth of the depression and any brain involvement.

Treatment:
Treatment often requires surgery to lift the bone fragment and prevent further injury to the brain. Intracranial pressure monitoring and treatment may be necessary if there is brain damage.

Medications:
Analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are commonly prescribed. In severe cases, corticosteroids like dexamethasone may be used to reduce swelling around the brain. These are anti-inflammatory and pain management medications.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Depressed skull fractures are less common than linear fractures but are more severe and are often associated with high-energy trauma such as falls or assaults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include high-impact head trauma, including motor vehicle accidents, physical altercations, or sports injuries.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis depends on the severity of the brain injury. With prompt treatment, patients can recover, though there may be lasting neurological effects depending on the extent of the injury.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications can include brain hemorrhage, infection, long-term neurological deficits, and seizures.

Basilar skull fractures

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Skull fractures

Symptoms:
raccoon eyes (bruising around the eyes); battle's sign (bruising behind the ear); bleeding from the nose, mouth, or ears; csf (cerebrospinal fluid) leakage from the ears or nose; dizziness; headache; loss of consciousness

Root Cause:
A basilar skull fracture is a break at the base of the skull, which can affect the brainstem and cranial nerves. It is often caused by high-impact trauma.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as CT scans or MRIs, as well as clinical symptoms like CSF leakage. Physical examination may show signs like raccoon eyes or Battle's sign.

Treatment:
Treatment focuses on managing the fracture and any associated brain injury. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the skull and stop CSF leakage. Other treatments may include antibiotics to prevent infection.

Medications:
Medications like analgesics (acetaminophen or ibuprofen ) may be used for pain management. If there is infection risk (e.g., CSF leakage), antibiotics such as ceftriaxone (a broad-spectrum antibiotic) may be prescribed to prevent meningitis.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Basilar skull fractures are relatively rare but are typically associated with high-velocity impacts such as car accidents, falls from great heights, or physical assaults.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Risk factors include severe head trauma, particularly in motor vehicle accidents or falls.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis can vary. If brainstem injury occurs, the outcome may be poor, with potential for long-term neurological deficits or death. However, with timely intervention, many patients recover without permanent impairment.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications may include infection (such as meningitis), cranial nerve damage, hearing loss, vision problems, or long-term cognitive and physical deficits.

Diffuse axonal injury (DAI)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Head Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; coma; memory loss; cognitive deficits; motor dysfunction; dilated pupils; severe headache

Root Cause:
Damage to the brain's white matter, leading to widespread axonal injury that disrupts communication between brain regions.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed through neuroimaging (CT scans or MRI), with MRI being more sensitive in detecting diffuse axonal injury.

Treatment:
Treatment typically focuses on stabilizing the patient, preventing secondary brain injury, and managing symptoms. Intensive care, monitoring intracranial pressure, and rehabilitation therapies may be required.

Medications:
Medications may include osmotic diuretics (e.g., mannitol ), anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin , levetiracetam ) to prevent seizures, and analgesics for pain management. These medications fall under categories of osmotic diuretics, anticonvulsants, and analgesics.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Diffuse axonal injury is a common consequence of traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly in high-velocity impact accidents (e.g., motor vehicle accidents), with approximately 20% of severe TBIs presenting DAI features.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-velocity accidents (e.g., motor vehicle crashes, falls), contact sports, and physical trauma to the head or neck are primary risk factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis is often poor, with many patients experiencing long-term cognitive deficits, motor impairments, and persistent vegetative states. However, some patients may show partial recovery with appropriate rehabilitation.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Potential complications include coma, persistent vegetative state, seizure disorders, cognitive and motor impairments, and even death.

Penetrating brain injury (e.g., gunshot wounds)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: Head and Neck Injuries

Sub-category: Head Injuries

Symptoms:
loss of consciousness; severe headache; nausea; vomiting; neurological deficits; seizures; cognitive impairment; hemorrhage

Root Cause:
Direct injury caused by a foreign object (e.g., bullet) penetrating the skull and brain tissue, causing localized damage and potential hemorrhage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is confirmed via CT scans or MRI, and clinical assessment for neurological deficits.

Treatment:
Immediate surgical intervention may be required to remove the foreign object and control bleeding, followed by intensive care, brain stabilization, and rehabilitation. Antibacterial treatment may be administered to prevent infections.

Medications:
Antibiotics (e.g., ceftriaxone , vancomycin ) to prevent infections, analgesics (e.g., morphine for pain), and anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin ) for seizure prevention. These medications include antibiotics, analgesics, and anticonvulsants.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Penetrating brain injuries, such as those caused by gunshot wounds, are less common than blunt trauma but are frequently seen in violence-prone regions, accounting for around 10% of traumatic brain injuries.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Gunshot wounds, violent crime, war zones, and industrial accidents are significant risk factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis depends on the severity of the injury, the area of the brain affected, and the speed of medical intervention. Recovery may vary from complete recovery to permanent disability or death.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Infection (e.g., meningitis), hemorrhagic shock, cognitive deficits, paralysis, persistent seizures, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).