Is this depiction of fatal brain trauma realistic?
Tonight in S06E14 of The Walking Dead, we see a character receive fatal brain trauma (not exactly an uncommon occurrence on this show). Specifically:
Denise, the makeshift physician for Alexandria, is giving a monologue when another character fires a crossbow bolt through the back of her head and out her eye socket.
Clearly this is a fatal injury, and the character dies. However, after receiving the injury, this character continues talking in fragmented speech for a few words before falling to the ground.
While I have been able to find a wealth of knowledge about how to treat brain trauma such as nonfatal gunshot wounds or concussions, apparently there is a dearth of information available as to whether it is realistic to continue performing an action requiring fine motor control (such as speaking) in the seconds between receiving a fatal brain injury and the onset of brain death.
Is this scene in S06E14 of The Walking Dead realistic?
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Can brain injuries be fatal?
Mild traumatic brain injury may affect your brain cells temporarily. More-serious traumatic brain injury can result in bruising, torn tissues, bleeding and other physical damage to the brain. These injuries can result in long-term complications or death.Why do you think that traumatic brain injuries are often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed?
Despite the significant percentage increase, TBI's often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The main reason for this is a combination of hectic conditions, busy doctors and the complex nature of brain injuries.Which imaging modality would be used in the first 24 hours after a traumatic brain injury VS after 24 hours?
However, conventional CT (which is more available and cost effective, requires shorter imaging time and is easier to perform on patients who are on ventilator support, in traction, or agitated) is the initial imaging modality of choice during the first 24 h after the injury.What are the chances of surviving a traumatic brain injury?
Approximately 60 percent will make a positive recovery and an estimated 25 percent left with a moderate degree of disability. Death or a persistent vegetative state will be the outcome in about 7 to 10 percent of cases. The remainder of patients will have a severe degree of disability.Overview of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
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