THE TRAUMATIC SUBARACHNOIDAL HEMORRHAGE

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 87  (1-2) , 1-17
Abstract
In general forensic neurotraumatologic experience blunt head traumas can cause a lethal basal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Twenty-seven cases of traumatic ruptures with either sufficiently described or histologically proven origin from an otherwise healthy basal artery system were collected and 4 new observations were added. In 16 cases detachments and lacerations of arteries in the region of branchings from the Circle of Willis were described: i.e., overstretching ruptures. In 8 cases longitudinal ruptures free from branchings were found: i.e., bursting ruptures. In 4 new cases 4-5 mm long ruptures were situated beside the branching of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The predominant number of traumas arose from fights under alcoholic influence, which were classified as minor traumata. Generally only bruises and abrasions in the face were described, fractures of skull and jaw in 3 cases and an injury of the cervical vertebral column once. Histological proof of the origin of subarachnoidal hemorrhages is helpful for answers to legal questions.