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Subdural hemorrhage is a common sequale in non-accidental trauma of the infant and
Child. In one study non-accidental trauma was responsible for acute subdural hemorrhage in 84% of infants and in 81% in older children. In another study non-accidental trauma was responsible for acute subdural hemorrhage in 82% of infants and children under the age of 2 years.
On occasion the determination of ‘suicide’ as a manner of death can prove to be most disturbing to the family and thus potentially give rise to adverse media representation as to the determination by the medical examiner or coroner. It may prove to be beneficial if we explore from a historical, cultural, religious and legal perspective the issue of ‘suicide.’
The cause of death is the underlying disease process or injury, which sets in motion a physiologic process (mechanism), that ultimately gives rise to death. To read the complete article please click the link below.
Subdural hemorrhage is bleeding below the dural membrane, whereas epidural hemorrhage, as previously discussed, is bleeding above the dura, i.e. between the dura and the overlying calvarium or base of the skull. The most common cause of a subdural hematoma is some form of direct impact trauma either as the result of an assault, fall or vehicular accident. Acute subdural hemorrhages can also result from sudden acceleration-deceleration of the head in which there is no injury to the head as would be the case in a whiplash-like injury such as occurs with a rear-end collision by a motor vehicle, blast injury or violent shaking during torture as reported by Pounder et al in 1997.
Forensic Medicine with Dr. Cox 