Research in forensic neurotraumatology

Quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of human brain basic fibroblast growth factor, glial fibrillary acidic protein and single-stranded DNA expressions following traumatic brain injury

“…Estimation of the age of brain injury and hematomas at the site or in the area adjacent to the injury has especially important criminological implications [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]; however, some patients may survive for months or years after severe TBI, while it may be difficult to explain the causal relationship between a focal brain injury and death in some fatalities. Cerebral edema/swelling alone may be the distinct finding of TBI at autopsy, with mild or even no other structural lesions, to explain the cause of death, involving increased intracranial pressure (ICP) affecting the vital centers in the brainstem [2,12].…”

Immunohistochemistry of Neuronal Apoptosis in Fatal Traumas: The Contribution of Forensic Molecular Pathology in Medical Science

“…Previous studies have made great strides in investigating the morphology and causal mechanism of brain injury and dysfunction; forensic neuropathological case studies have demonstrated findings useful for establishing practical investigation procedures. Estimation of the age of brain injury and hematomas at the site or in the area adjacent to the injury has especially important criminological implications (Bratzke, 2004;Dressler et al, 2007;Hausmann & Betz, 2001;Hausmann et al, 1999;Hausmann et al, 2000;Oehmichen et al, 2003;Takamiya et al, 2007); however, some patients may survive for months or years after severe brain injury, while it may be difficult to explain the causal relationship between a focal brain injury and death in some fatalities. Cerebral edema/swelling alone may be a distinct finding of brain injury at autopsy, with mild or even no other structural lesions, to explain the cause of death, involving increased intracranial pressure affecting vital centers in the brainstem.…”