Answer: Choice B describes the findings on CT scan associated with a commonly torn artery in epidural hematomas. This patient is showing signs of both increased ICP with symptoms of Cushing’s triad (hypertension, irregular breathing, bradycardia) and a “lucid interval” characteristic of an epidural hematoma secondary to head trauma.
The other options describe different types of intracranial hemorrhage. Choice A refers to a subdural hematoma from tearing of bridging veins, which produces a crescent-shaped collection that crosses sutures and evolves more slowly. Choice C describes a subarachnoid hemorrhage from rupture of a berry aneurysm, typically presenting with a sudden “worst headache of life” rather than trauma. Choice D represents a hypertensive intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the basal ganglia due to lenticulostriate artery rupture, usually in patients with chronic hypertension.
Answer: Choice B describes the findings on CT scan associated with a commonly torn artery in epidural hematomas. This patient is showing signs of both increased ICP with symptoms of Cushing’s triad (hypertension, irregular breathing, bradycardia) and a “lucid interval” characteristic of an epidural hematoma secondary to head trauma.
The other options describe different types of intracranial hemorrhage. Choice A refers to a subdural hematoma from tearing of bridging veins, which produces a crescent-shaped collection that crosses sutures and evolves more slowly. Choice C describes a subarachnoid hemorrhage from rupture of a berry aneurysm, typically presenting with a sudden “worst headache of life” rather than trauma. Choice D represents a hypertensive intraparenchymal hemorrhage in the basal ganglia due to lenticulostriate artery rupture, usually in patients with chronic hypertension.