Bleeding

Bruising of the brain (cerebral contusion) of any degree.  Can result from head injury and surgery. Symptoms can range from mild concussion to coma.  Surgery is often undertaken to remove severe contusions as the damaged tissue can swell and produce chemical factors that can damage...

Spaces or cavities inside the brain that produce and contain the cerebro-spinal fluid.

The period of memory loss and confusion after traumatic injury which is used to help determine the severity of injury. 

A characteristc group of symptoms that follow a mild head injury.  These symptom can often go on for days, weeks or months after the initial injury.  For more information see the diagnosis page.

A long term condition in which the patient cannot follow comands, speak or respond in any meaningful way. Minimum level of consciousmess.

Injuries where the scalp and skull have been penetrated exposing the brain.

Process in which water is let into tissue causing it to swell.  It occurs due to damage and the chemicals that are produced in response damage resulting in an inflammatory response. 

A powerful imaging technique that uses a powerful magnetic field to align atoms (usually hydrogen) present in water in the body. Radiofrequency fields are used to alter their alignment causing the hydrogen nuclei to produce a rotating magnetic field. This signal can be recorded and manipulated...

A catheter or ICP 'bolt' that is inserted into the brain and connected to a measuring device in order to monitor intracranial pressure.