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11:30
Brain Imaging Investigation of the Neural Correlates of Emotional Autobiographical Recollection
Published on: August 26, 2011
[A woman with retrograde amnesia].
Maarten H Kiel1, Anne M F Rutten
1St. Elisabeth Ziekenhuis, afd. Intensive Care, Tilburg, the Netherlands. maartenkiel@hotmail.com
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|September 7, 2012
Summary
A fall caused retrograde amnesia and confusion in a 56-year-old woman. Physical signs strongly suggested a basilar skull fracture, a serious head injury.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Head injuries can present with diverse neurological symptoms.
- Basilar skull fractures require prompt recognition due to potential complications.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old woman experienced confusion and retrograde amnesia following a fall.
- Physical examination revealed bilateral periorbital hematoma (raccoon eyes) and bilateral retroauricular ecchymosis.
Findings:
- The observed physical signs (raccoon eyes, retroauricular ecchymosis) are classic indicators of a basilar skull fracture.
- The patient's neurological symptoms (amnesia, confusion) are consistent with traumatic brain injury.
Implications:
- Early identification of basilar skull fractures is crucial for timely intervention.
- This case highlights the importance of thorough physical examination in patients with head trauma.
- Prompt diagnosis can prevent severe neurological sequelae.
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