hersentrauma

Hersentrauma, a term used in Dutch medical slang, refers to traumatic brain injury (TBI). It describes brain dysfunction caused by external mechanical force, such as a blow to the head, fall, or vehicle crash. The spectrum ranges from mild concussions to severe brain damage with lasting disability or death.

Injury patterns include focal contusions and hematomas, penetrating injuries, and diffuse axonal injury. Primary injuries occur at impact; secondary injury may follow, involving swelling, reduced blood flow, seizures, and infection. MRI and CT imaging aid diagnosis, with the Glasgow Coma Scale guiding initial assessment.

Clinical features vary by severity. Mild TBI may cause brief confusion, headache, or amnesia; more severe cases involve loss of consciousness, prolonged confusion, motor or cognitive deficits, or coma.

Management emphasizes stabilization, prevention of secondary injury, and appropriate neurosurgical or medical care. Treatment may include intracranial pressure management, anticonvulsants, and intensive rehabilitation focused on physical, cognitive, and speech therapies. Prognosis depends on injury severity, age, and access to care; outcomes range from full recovery to permanent impairment.

Prevention focuses on safety measures such as helmets, seat belts, fall prevention, and safe driving practices to reduce incidence and improve outcomes after Hersentrauma.