Read the radiology reports and the MD progress note dated 6/7 . What causes edema and bleeding after a traumatic brain injury? What general functions occur in the frontal lobe? How might Mr. Walker's injury affect him in the long term?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Edema and bleeding in a traumatic brain injury are caused by the mechanical thrashing of the brain inside the enclosed skull. This can cause tissue damage and excessive bleeding. The tissue damage causes the inflammatory response to be activated. In other words, inflammation begins with the onset of cellular injury. Blood vessels dilate with increased blood flow to the area, resulting in redness, swelling, pain, heat, and an altered function. This is meant to supply additional oxygen and nutrients but also causes increased vascular permeability that allows proteins and immune cells to pass from blood to tissue spaces. Even though this is a natural response of the body to injury, it becomes a problem in an enclosed space like the skull. Intracranial pressure can build and lead to cell death by a decrease in blood flow, leading to destruction of nerves and decreased functioning of the brain.
The frontal lobe is the area of the brain concerned with memory, intellect, and personality. Any trauma to the brain tissue causes loss of function to that specific area. Mr. Walker may experience loss in cognitive function or changes in personality. General fatigue, headaches, and memory loss are common. Because Mr. Walker did not lose consciousness for an extended period of time and the overall injury was only moderately severe, he probably has a good chance of full recovery.