Forensic Neuropathology

Over the past 30 years, as both forensic pathology and neuropathology have grown in sophistication, the two specialties have forged a heightened level of interaction. Reflecting the vast increase in knowledge and scientific progress in the past two decades, Forensic Neuropathology, Second Edition examines the new developments that have arisen since the publication of the first volume.
New in this Edition:


All chapters revised and updated
Expanded information on biomechanics of neurotrauma
Latest findings on child abuse, impact injuries to the head and spine, and intracranial pressure effects
Greater focus on the effects of new Supreme Court rulings on the admissibility of evidence
Nearly 300 high-quality color photographs


This updated text comprehensively reviews all aspects of neuropathology that may have forensic or medical-legal import. The book presents significant coverage of the role of the neuropathologist in a legal setting before delving into specific forensic aspects of neuropathology, including comprehensive discussions of various syndromes and conditions affecting adults and children. It discusses intracranial equilibria and physical injury to the nervous system and contains entire chapters devoted to neuropathology perspectives on child abuse, gunshot and other penetrating wounds of the nervous system, and the forensic aspects of complex neural functions. This timely revision maintains the breadth and depth of the benchmark first edition while replacing outdated information with the newest developments in these complex areas.

Dr. Jan E. Leestma is a world-renowned forensic neuropathologist and is the author of more than a hundred professional publications. He has given expert testimony in more than thirty states, Canada, and the UK. This highly detailed work, which includes the contributions of experts in the fields of biomechanics, neurology, pathology, and the law, is sure to complement the growing literature in this fast-developing area.

Pathology and Neuropathology in the Forensic Setting, J.E. Leestma and E. Whitfied Sharp
The Pathologist and the Justice System
Certification of Death
The Forensic Autopsy
The Neuropathologist’s Role in Forensic Pathology
Whom Does the Forensic Pathologist Serve?
The Problem of the Manner of Death
Issues for the Neuropathologist in the Forensic Setting
What Will I Be Asked to Do When I Testify?
Implications for the Expert of Having Given Testimony
References
Scientific Evidence and the Courts, E. Whitfield Sharp
Introduction
The Frye Standard
The Daubert Era: The Search for Reliability
The Joiner Standard
The Kumho Standard
The Federal Rules of Evidence
The Ever-Changing Face of the Admissibility Standards of Scientific and
Expert Witness Testimony
Daubert States
States Where Daubert Is Viewed as Instructive
Frye and Modified-Frye States
Rules-Based-Plus-Reliability States
Judging the Reliability of Medical Literature Using the Three R’s, or the
Reasonable Reliance Requirement, of Rule 703
A Few Basics
Conclusion
References
Forensic Aspects of Adult General Neuropathology, J.E. Leestma
Introduction
Intracranial Pathology as a Cause of Death
Vascular Diseases of the Nervous System
Tumors of the Nervous System
Infections of the Nervous System
Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System
Diseases of White Matter
Toxic and Miscellaneous Conditions
Diseases of Peripheral Nerve
Diseases of Skeletal Muscle
References
General Forensic Neuropathology of Infants and Children, J.E. Leestma
Introduction
Brain Development
Autopsy Examination of the Developing Nervous System
Neuropathology of Perinatal Period
Cerebral Palsy
Central Nervous System Malformations
Hydrocephaly
Embolism, Thrombosis, and Hemorrhage
Disorders of Hemostasis
Toxic Conditions and the Developing Nervous System
Infectious Diseases
Intrauterine Trauma
Brain Neoplasms
The Phaecomatoses
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
References
Forensic Aspects of Intracranial Equilibria, J.E. Leestma
Introduction
Cerebral Edema and the Blood-Brain Barrier
Cerebrovascular Autoregulation
Cerebrospinal Fluid: Pressure/Volume Equilibrium
Hydrocephalus
Brain Herniation
Brain Death and the Respirator Brain
References
Physical Injury to the Nervous System, J.E. Leestma and K.L. Thibault
Introduction
Biomechanics
Introduction to Biomechanics: A Primer
The Scalp
The Skull and Periosteum
The Meninges
Traumatic Injury to the Brain
Spine and Spinal Cord Injury
Glossary of Terms and Units of Measurement
References
Child Abuse: Neuropathology Perspectives, J.E. Leestma
Introduction and Historical Background
Pathology of Child Abuse
Neuropathological and Forensic Issues in Child Abuse Cases
Rib Fractures and Alleged Child Abuse
Fractures of the Long Bones and Child Abuse
Nontraumatic Forms of Child Abuse
The So-Called Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)
Summary
References
Gunshot and Penetrating Wounds of the Nervous System, J.E. Leestma and J.B. Kirkpatrick
Introduction
Firearms
Variations in Wounding from Different Weapons
Shotgun Wounds
Unusual or Nonweapon Firearms
Gunshot Wounds in the Civilian Population
Long-Term Consequences of Missile Wounds of the Brain and Cord
Blast Injuries and the Nervous System
Wounds of the Spinal Cord and Canal
Summary and Conclusions
References
Forensic Aspects of Complex Neural Functions, J.E. Leestma
Introduction
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Cognitional Disorders
Pathological Processes Associated with Behavioral Symptoms
Perceptual Disorders
Alterations in Consciousness: Stupor and Coma
Forensic Aspects of Consciousness
Agitated Delirium
References
Index