Abstract

PALOMO RANDO, J.L. et al. Forensic pathology and associated neurology of head injury: Practical aspects. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2008, n.52, pp.87-118. ISSN 1988-611X.

This review summarizes in a brief format the most useful tips in the forensic evaluation of fatal head trauma. This study is aimed at the macroscopic evaluation, causality and production mechanisms of the lesions, with image-based support. Skull fractures, subarachnoid hemorrhage due to lesion of the vertebral artery, posttraumatic cerebral edema and hyperaemia as well as basic recommendations to carry out the autopsy procedure (including the retention and fixation of the brain) in bodies with a lethal traumatic brain injury (TBI) will be analyzed. Some of this knowledge has been developed a long time ago, and although sometimes forgotten, their meaning is still fully patent. This study also points out the essential clinical characteristics of each condition and recent advances in the neuropathological diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and its physiopathology. Finally, the suspected relationship of head injuries with the late development of degenerative disorders (Alzheimer-like); as well as new insights relating genomics and fatal evolution of mild to moderate TBIs are included.

Keywords : Head injury; Skull fracture; Subarachnoid hemorrhage; Cerebral edema; Vertebral artery injury; Craniocerebral autopsy.

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