Diffuse axonal injury caused by assault.

The case reports of 50 fatal head injuries caused by assault and managed at the Institute of Neurological Sciences, Glasgow, were reviewed. Fifteen cases had diffuse axonal injury. Diffuse axonal injury is a well recognised type of brain damage brought about by a head injury, usually as a result of a road traffic accident or fall from a height. It does not seem to be widely appreciated that it may also occur as a result of an assault. This has important medicolegal implications.