Questions: After falling, a patient's Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was 5 initially and 7 after 1 day. The patient remained unconscious for 2 weeks but is now awake, confused, and experiencing anterograde amnesia. This history supports which medical diagnosis? Moderate diffuse brain injury Postconcussive syndrome Severe diffuse brain injury Mild diffuse brain injury

The answer is the third one: Severe diffuse brain injury.

Explanation for each option:

1. Moderate diffuse brain injury: This typically corresponds to a GCS score between 9 and 12. The patient's initial GCS was 5, which is below this range, indicating a more severe injury.

2. Postconcussive syndrome: This condition usually follows a mild traumatic brain injury and is characterized by symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties. The initial GCS of 5 and prolonged unconsciousness suggest a more severe injury than what is typically associated with postconcussive syndrome.

3. Severe diffuse brain injury: This is characterized by a GCS score of 8 or less. The patient's initial GCS was 5, which falls into this category. The prolonged unconsciousness and current symptoms of confusion and anterograde amnesia are consistent with a severe diffuse brain injury.

4. Mild diffuse brain injury: This is associated with a GCS score of 13 to 15. The patient's initial GCS of 5 is far below this range, indicating a more severe injury.

In summary, the patient's initial GCS score, prolonged unconsciousness, and current symptoms align with a diagnosis of severe diffuse brain injury.