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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Asian J Neurosurg 2025; 20(01): 126-131
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1800811
Original Article

Exploring Nontraumatic Brain Hemorrhage in Sudden and Unexpected Deaths: A Novel Autopsy-Based Investigation

Jayeshkumar Kanani 
1   Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Umarvada, Surat, Gujarat, India
,
Mohammed Iliyas Sheikh 
1   Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Umarvada, Surat, Gujarat, India
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Background There has been a surge in sudden and unexpected deaths, presenting a significant challenge for health policymakers and researchers. These individuals showed no signs of recent or past illnesses and died suddenly during routine activities like walking, standing, or working.

Objective This study focuses on exploring nontraumatic brain hemorrhage as a cause of death in autopsies of individuals without prior illnesses. The research aims to explore patterns, prevalence, and risk factors associated with nontraumatic brain hemorrhage, specifically obesity in sudden and unexpected deaths.

Materials and Methods This retrospective, observational study was conducted using autopsy cases with nontraumatic brain hemorrhage as the identified cause of sudden and unexpected deaths. Information on demographic details, medical history, and circumstances surrounding the deaths was collected. The cases were classified based on the body mass index according to the classification of the World Health Organization.

Results From April 2023 to January 2024, 10 cases of sudden and unexpected deaths due to nontraumatic brain hemorrhage were identified. Key findings included predominantly cases of obesity or overweight, deaths occurring predominantly between 8 p.m. and midnight, and all cases being males.

Conclusion The study sheds light on the surge in sudden deaths, specifically attributed to nontraumatic brain hemorrhage. The findings reveal a significant association between obesity and brain hemorrhage in sudden deaths, especially among males. The study's temporal analysis adds depth to understanding these patterns.

Keywords

intracranial hemorrhage - sudden deaths - intracerebral hemorrhage - obesity - obesity paradox - unexpected deaths - cardiovascular diseases - autopsy - BMI

Authors' Contributions

All the authors have contributed toward writing, editing, and reviewing of this manuscript.




Publication History

Article published online:
02 December 2024

© 2024. Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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