Permanent neurological damage due to trauma: An important conclusion in forensic medicine

Abstract

Purpose: It is aimed to evaluate the demographic, etiological and clinical findings of the victims who were sent to Council of Forensic Medicine by the court of law and prosecutor's office and in whom permanent neurological disorders was diagnosed. Method: Case files belonged to victims were examined retrospectively, whether they had permanent neurological damage or not was asked to Council of Forensic Medicine 2nd Expertise Chamber between the years of 2005 and 2009. Demographic characteristics, trauma types, neurological examination and radiological imaging findings, other examinations that were done, treatment they have been receiving and their disability levels have been thoroughly evaluated. Findings: As a result of examination conducted at Council of Forensic Medicine, head trauma and medulla spinalis were the major causes for permanent neurological disorders. Cognitive Function Disorder and Epilepsy were the diagnoses which caused permanent neurological damage the most often. Ranking 3 and up in 89 victims, ranking 3 and down in 64 victims were assessed. Conclusion: The most important two cause of trauma are traumatic brain and spinal cord damage, the most important neurological symptoms are cognitive function disorder and seizure in the victims who were sent to Council of Forensic Medicine for presence of permanent neurological disorders to be determined.