Natasha Richardson's Autopsy Results In: Epidural Hematoma from Blunt Force Trauma

Natasha Richardson's autopsy has been completed. As was expected, the cause of death was an epidural hematoma due to a blunt force trauma to the head.

Several sources have reported the news. One source was the Associated Press reporting through MSNBC.com.

The article which relays the information is "Richardson died of blunt impact to head." The New York Medical Examiner's office deemed the situation an accident.

It would appear that preliminary speculations were correct.

As the article goes on to say, Richardson's blunt trauma was due to a fall on the "Bunny Slope" during a private skiing lesson. She apparently suffered the "Talk and Die" syndrome that occurs when a person seems alright after head trauma but then develops serious problems. The major worry is an epidural hematoma which is blood getting between the skull and the brain. This is what Natasha Richardson died of.

It is agreed that it would have been better if she would have been wearing a helmet although incredibly I have read a number of comments that suggest that forcing a person to wear a helmet is akin to taking away their civil rights.

It seems that the autopsy leaves as many questions as it answered.

The report on the fall was that she didn't hit anyone or anything and that the fall was not particularly violent so it is hard to understand what happened. It would be better if the ski instructor would weigh in on the situation but I'm guessing the instructor is not anxious to do that based on potential liability.

The event is even more confusing if we investigate what usually has to happen to cause an epidural hematoma.

In 85-95% of the cases the blunt force is a "focused blow" such as a hammer or baseball bat and, often causes a skull fracture.

The skull compromises the blood vessels underneath it and also, the brain in that area is usually injured at least a bit.

It seems to me that there would have more made out of the accident.

I suffered a head trauma as a 19-year-old boy. I was attacked by four youths and the weapon used was the edge of a ping pong paddle. I was hit over and over. However, all I needed was five stitches and I didn't even have a concussion. That, I guess, is why I am so confused about the result offered from the suggested cause.

The family is planning a private ceremony.

Hopefully we will get a little more information about the accident.

References:

http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/natasha-richardson-autopsy-results-revealed-212036/
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29733775/
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/824029-overviewNatasha Richardson'a Autopsy Results In: Epidural Hematoma From Blunt Force TraumaBlunt Force to Cause this is typically the force equal to a hammer or baseball bat.http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/824029-overviewhttp://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29733775/http://www.celebrity-gossip.net/celebrities/hollywood/natasha-richardson-autopsy-results-revealed-212036/