A traumatic brain injury is a non-degenerative, non-congenital insult to the brain from an external mechanical force, possibly leading to temporary or perimanent impairment of cognitive, physical and psychosocial functions
Aetiology
High risk groups
Young men and elderly
Previous head injuries
Residents of inner cities
Alcohol and drug abuse
Low income
Mechanisms of injury
Assault
Falls
RTCs
Sports
Over 1/2 involve alcohol
Pathophysiology
Importance of managing ICP
Monro Kellie principle states that the sum of volumes of brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and intracerebral blood is constant
An increase in one should cause a reciprocal decrease in either one or both of the remaining two
Decrease in space for brain within the skull → herniation