Condition Lookup

Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Sub-category: Blunt Trauma

Symptoms:
headache; confusion; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; temporary loss of consciousness; difficulty concentrating; memory problems; sleep disturbances; mood changes

Root Cause:
Disruption in normal brain function due to a direct blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head causing mechanical damage to brain tissue.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical evaluation, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), neurological exam, imaging studies (CT scan or MRI).

Treatment:
Rest, symptom management, physical and cognitive rehabilitation, and monitoring for complications.

Medications:
Pain relievers (acetaminophen ), anti-nausea medications, and sometimes anticonvulsants (e.g., phenytoin ) or diuretics (e.g., mannitol ) to reduce intracranial pressure.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Millions of cases worldwide annually, with mild TBI (concussion) being the most common.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Sports injuries, motor vehicle accidents, falls, and assaults.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most mild TBIs resolve with proper care; severe TBIs may result in lasting neurological deficits or disability.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Post-concussion syndrome, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), seizures, and long-term cognitive or psychological impairments.

Fractures (e.g., Skull, Ribs, Limbs, Spine)

Specialty: Emergency and Urgent Care

Category: Trauma and Injuries

Sub-category: Blunt Trauma

Symptoms:
pain at the injury site; swelling; bruising; deformity; difficulty moving affected limb or area

Root Cause:
Break or crack in a bone caused by direct trauma, repetitive stress, or pathological weakening.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

Treatment:
Immobilization (casts, splints), surgical intervention (internal fixation or external fixation), and pain management.

Medications:
Pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen ), bone-strengthening agents (e.g., bisphosphonates in pathological fractures).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common; occurs across all age groups, with higher incidence in older adults due to osteoporosis.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
High-impact injuries, falls, repetitive stress, bone diseases (e.g., osteoporosis).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies; simple fractures heal with proper treatment, but complex fractures may lead to long-term complications.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Malunion, nonunion, infection, compartment syndrome, and nerve or vascular damage.

Caused by non-penetrating forces (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, falls, assaults)

Specialty: Trauma and Injuries

Category: General Trauma Classifications

Sub-category: Blunt Trauma

Symptoms:
pain at the injury site; swelling and bruising; difficulty moving the affected body part; numbness or tingling (if nerve damage is involved); reduced range of motion; tenderness to touch; in severe cases, difficulty breathing (if the chest or lungs are affected)

Root Cause:
Physical force (such as from a motor vehicle accident, fall, or assault) impacts the body, causing damage to soft tissues, bones, or internal organs. The trauma results from sudden deceleration, compression, or shear forces.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Clinical examination

Treatment:
Rest and immobilization for minor injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises. Pain management with ice packs, over-the-counter painkillers, and sometimes stronger medications for severe pain. Surgery may be required for fractures, internal bleeding, or organ damage. Physical therapy to regain movement and strength following healing.

Medications:
Pain relievers - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for mild to moderate pain. Opioids - Prescribed for severe pain, but they are closely monitored due to addiction risk (e.g., hydrocodone , oxycodone ). Muscle relaxants - Such as cyclobenzaprine to treat muscle spasms. Antibiotics - If there is a risk of infection (e.g., in open fractures or internal injuries).

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Non-penetrating blunt trauma is common and represents a significant portion of emergency room visits. It’s more frequent in high-risk populations like drivers, athletes, and individuals with a history of falls.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Involvement in high-risk activities (e.g., motor vehicle accidents, contact sports, high falls). Age (older adults have a higher risk of falls and fractures). Alcohol or drug use (increases risk of falls or aggressive behavior leading to assault). Lack of protective equipment (e.g., seatbelts, helmets).

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally good for minor injuries with appropriate treatment. Severe injuries (like broken bones, internal injuries, or head trauma) may have long-term effects, requiring ongoing care and rehabilitation. Full recovery is possible for most injuries, though severe cases may result in permanent disability or chronic pain.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Hemorrhage or internal bleeding. Infection (especially in open fractures or wounds). Nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation or mobility. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in cases involving assault or severe accidents. Long-term pain or stiffness from fractures or ligament damage.