Home > The contribution of alcohol to fatal traumatic head injuries in the forensic setting.

Cryan, J and O'Cathain, N and Curtis, M and Cassidy, May and Brett, FM (2010) The contribution of alcohol to fatal traumatic head injuries in the forensic setting. Irish Medical Journal, 103, (10),

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Excessive drinking increases the risk of dying unnaturally. In the Republic of Ireland such deaths are referred to the State Pathologist. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is routinely measured. We created a database of cases presenting to the State Pathologist over a nine year period (2000-2008 inclusive) to evaluate the relationship between alcohol and fatal traumatic brain injuries (FTBI). Of a total of 1778 cases, 332 (275 Male [M]; 57 Female [F]) died of head injuries. Fatalities were highest in males aged 36-50 (N=97) and 26-35 (N=73). Assaults (N=147), falls (N=95), road traffic accidents (RTA) (N=50) and suicide (N=15) were the commonest modes of presentation. A positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was found in 36% of assaults, 41% of falls and 40% of suicides. In the RTA group BAC was positive in 59% of pedestrians, 33% of drivers and 14% of passengers. Alcohol clearly plays a significant role in FTBI in the forensic setting.


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