Journal of forensic sciences
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Twenty-eight non-fatal cases of TV related injuries were noted in San Diego in the 2 years prior to September 2008. We reviewed the scene, witness reports, past history, and autopsy findings from three fatal cases and distinguished them from abusive head trauma. The recent literature was also reviewed. ⋯ The reporting methods may not be complete or accurate. Some authors in the literature review suggested preventive measures so as to decrease these injuries. Forensic scientists should become familiar with these injuries and measures so that they may communicate effectively with their communities.
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Factitious disorder involves feigning, exaggerating, or self-inducing physical and/or psychological ailments with the goal of assuming the "sick" or "patient" role. In turn, the sick role entitles the factitious disorder patient to care, nurturance, and protection; it also exempts one from usual responsibilities. ⋯ At times, his reports have included disconfirmed claims of bizarre accidents and other physical travails. This case enlarges the literature on factitious psychological disorders and shows that some individuals may falsify paraphilic behaviors, although clearly minimization of these behaviors remains more common.
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Accidents and inflicted trauma account for 33% and 5-8% of childhood deaths, respectively. Injuries secondary to falling televisions have been reported in the clinical literature. However, descriptions of such injuries at autopsy are limited. ⋯ The first case showed postsurgical changes secondary to evacuation of a posterior fossa hematoma; three-dimensional reconstruction of the admission computed tomography scan demonstrated the extent of the preintervention skull fractures. In addition, the second case showed a right epidural hematoma. Only case two showed retinal hemorrhage.