ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a clinical context for such post-mortem examinations. Head injuries are very common events, particularly in modern urban society. All age groups are affected, although the nature of the resultant lesions varies somewhat between the very young, the healthy adolescent or adult, and the more elderly patient. An alternative approach is to consider clinical management needs. Patients who are less than fully conscious, when first attending hospital, will require admission. The onset of seizures may also add to brain damage, particularly if prolonged and associated with hypoxia caused by ventilatory impairment. Extradural haematoma is particularly important because it is not usually associated with any significant primary brain damage and yet can prove lethal if large enough and not evacuated promptly. Acute subdural haematomas , whilst also often requiring surgical attention, are commonly associated with some degree of primary brain damage and the latter may be of greater influence in determining the eventual outcome.
