Title:
Traumatic Brain Injury in Human and Experimental Models
Speaker:
Kazuhiko Kibayashi, M.D.
Professor and Chairperson
Department of Legal Medicine, School of Medicine, Tokyo Women’s Medical University
Kibayashi.kazuhiko@twmu.ac.jp
Abstract:
Every trauma fatality is reported as an “unusual death” and undergoes medico-legal investigation. When necessary, forensic autopsies are performed by forensic pathologists. Traumatic brain injuries account for the majority of trauma deaths. Forensic autopsies of the victims help identify the causes of death and fatal events. In addition, information from forensic autopsies about the mechanisms of injuries helps improve preventive strategies against fatal events, as well as medical treatment for the victims. Furthermore, laboratory studies using animal models, based on ideas derived from forensic autopsies, increase knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. Our research project aims to: (1) increase the accuracy of postmortem diagnosis of traumatic brain injury, (2) undertake laboratory research using animal models to elucidate the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury, and (3) apply research findings to the preventive strategies and clinical studies of traumatic brain injury to reduce the number of fatalities. From our experiences in forensic autopsies on traumatic brain injury fatalities, we have identified problems for basic research on the diagnosis and pathological conditions of brain damage and researched methods for verifying hypotheses via animal studies. Understanding proper diagnostic procedures and accurate pathological conditions can be helpful in reducing the number of fatalities.
References:
