, ATLS 2025/2026 Written Review:
Comprehensive Trauma Q&A Guide with
Brain, Spine, Shock, and Burn Management.
What is the primary goal of treating TBI? How is this done?
preventing secondary brain injury. This is done by maintaining blood pressure and providing adequate
profusion.
After managing ABCDEs of TBI what MUST be identified if present? How is this done?
mass lesion that requires surgical evacuation is critical! this is done with CT. NOTE: obtaining a CT should
not delay patient transfer to trauma center.
Which brain lobes do the following hold:
1. anterior fossa:
2. middle fossa:
3. posterior fossa:
1. anterior fossa: frontal lobes
2. middle fossa: temporal lobes
3. posterior fossa: lower brainstem and cerebellum
What are the 3 layers of the meninges?
dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
What does the dura mater adhere firmly to?
the skull. it is tough and fibrous
What layer of the meninges splits into two leaves as specific sites to enclose large venous sinuses?
What do these sinuses do?
dura mater.
these sinuses provide major venous drainage from the brain.
What is the midline sinus of of the brain that splits into two sinuses: bilateral transverse and sigmoid
sinus? What side are these bigger on?
The main sinus enclosed by the dura major is the midline superior sagital sinus. This splits into the
sigmoid and bilateral transverse sinuses which are larger on the right side.
What are the arteries that lie between the skull and the dura mater (epidural space)?
meningeal arteries.
What is the most commonly injured meningeal artery and where is it located?
Comprehensive Trauma Q&A Guide with
Brain, Spine, Shock, and Burn Management.
What is the primary goal of treating TBI? How is this done?
preventing secondary brain injury. This is done by maintaining blood pressure and providing adequate
profusion.
After managing ABCDEs of TBI what MUST be identified if present? How is this done?
mass lesion that requires surgical evacuation is critical! this is done with CT. NOTE: obtaining a CT should
not delay patient transfer to trauma center.
Which brain lobes do the following hold:
1. anterior fossa:
2. middle fossa:
3. posterior fossa:
1. anterior fossa: frontal lobes
2. middle fossa: temporal lobes
3. posterior fossa: lower brainstem and cerebellum
What are the 3 layers of the meninges?
dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
What does the dura mater adhere firmly to?
the skull. it is tough and fibrous
What layer of the meninges splits into two leaves as specific sites to enclose large venous sinuses?
What do these sinuses do?
dura mater.
these sinuses provide major venous drainage from the brain.
What is the midline sinus of of the brain that splits into two sinuses: bilateral transverse and sigmoid
sinus? What side are these bigger on?
The main sinus enclosed by the dura major is the midline superior sagital sinus. This splits into the
sigmoid and bilateral transverse sinuses which are larger on the right side.
What are the arteries that lie between the skull and the dura mater (epidural space)?
meningeal arteries.
What is the most commonly injured meningeal artery and where is it located?
