Abraincontusion-isaninjurytothebrainwithdamageto
themedulla,characterizedbyamoresevereimpairment of
brainfunction.
Clinicalpicture:manifestedbycerebralandfocalsymptoms.
Withabruise,thelossofconsciousnessislongerthanwitha
concussion.Inaddition,nausea,vomiting,bradycardiaareobserved.
Orbital,swallowingreflexes,functionsofthepelvicorgansmaybe
impaired.Focalsymptomsarealsoobserved:paresisandparalysis,
sensitivitydisorders,convulsions,lossofconsciousness,headache
damage(abrasions,wounds,bruises)ofthesofttissuesofthehead
dischargeoffluidfromthenoseorears,bruisingbehindtheearor
aroundtheeyes,anisocoria(pupilsofdifferentsizes).
Dependingontheseverityanddurationofbraindysfunction,3
degreesofseverityofbraincontusionaredistinguished.
Diagnostics:Examinationbyaneurologistorneurosurgeon,
radiography,CT,MRIofthebrainfordifferentialdiagnosisfrombrain
compression,damagetothebonesoftheskull.
Treatment:strictbedrestfor3-4weeks,dehydrationtherapy.
Analgesics,sedatives,hypnotics,prolonged medicalsleep,
symptomatictherapy(preventionofbedsores,enteraltubeand
parenteralnutrition).