PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common sign of subdural hemorrhage?

1. Coma

2. Aphasia

3. Lateral gaze preference

4. Increased heart rate

The correct answer is: Increased heart rate

Subdural hemorrhage typically presents with a range of neurological signs and symptoms, primarily due to increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on brain structures. Coma, aphasia, and lateral gaze preference are indeed common signs associated with subdural hemorrhage reflecting varying degrees of brain involvement. In cases of subdural hemorrhage, a patient may exhibit altered levels of consciousness, which can lead to coma. Aphasia may arise if the hemorrhage affects the dominant hemisphere of the brain, impacting language centers. Lateral gaze preference can occur with involvement of neural pathways that control eye movement, often indicating increased intracranial pressure or direct compression of brain regions responsible for these functions. In contrast, an increased heart rate is not a direct sign of subdural hemorrhage. While it may occur due to a stress response or other factors, it is not a neurological indicator of the presence or severity of a subdural hemorrhage. Instead, the physiological response to a compromised central nervous system can sometimes lead to changes in blood pressure, respiration, and heart rate, but these are often reflective of the body's general response to injury rather than specific signs of the hemorrhage itself. Thus, increased heart rate is not typically considered a common sign of sub