Traumatic neuropathology

Abstract

The neuropathology of trauma is reviewed based on the mechanism of injury. Pathology is divided into primary and secondary injury, based on the relationship to the time of injury. It is further divided by mechanism, with primary impact injury including skull fracture, epidural hematoma, brain contusion and laceration, and intracerebral hemorrhage; primary inertial injury including subdural hematoma, diffuse axonal injury, and diffuse vascular injury; and secondary injury including hypoxia/ischemia, brain swelling, infection, and increased intracranial pressure. The neuropathology of child abuse is also reviewed.