What condition might result from a severe head injury leading to fluid buildup around the brain?

Study for the AAOS Emergency Care and Transport of the Sick and Injured Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for success!

The condition that results from a severe head injury leading to fluid buildup around the brain is cerebral edema. This occurs when there is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain tissue, which can happen as a consequence of trauma. The injury can cause inflammation or damage to the brain cells, leading to an increase in interstitial fluid and swelling. Cerebral edema can increase intracranial pressure and potentially lead to further complications, including impaired brain function.

In contrast, hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain, which is often due to an obstruction of CSF flow. While it involves fluid accumulation, it is not a direct result of a head injury but rather due to other conditions affecting CSF production and circulation.

Cerebral palsy is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement and coordination and is generally caused by brain damage occurring before, during, or shortly after birth. It is not a direct result of a severe head injury.

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that may involve temporary loss of normal brain function but does not specifically relate to fluid buildup; instead, it refers to a functional disturbance rather than a structural change like edema or hydro

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy