What on earth is “talk and die syndrome”?? Is it a syndrome where after suffering from it after a while, you die if you talk?! That will be like so horrifying? But luckily (or not so luckily) the “talk and die” syndrome is referring to the fact that we are always worrying about people who suffered head injuries that does not show up i9mmediately. So when doctors say “talk and die” syndrome they are actually referring to a delayed bleed like an epidural haematoma.

British-born actress Natasha Richardson won a Tony for her role in the Broadway play ‘Cabaret’ and has also starred in a string of films including The Parent Trap and Maid in Manhattan, is the daughter of actress Vanessa Redgrave and is the wife of actor Liam Neeson, 56, with whom she has two sons, ages 12 and 13. Rather unfortunately, she took a fall while taking a skiing lesson in Mount Tremblant resort. When her instructor summoned a ski patrol to transport her to the bottom of the hill for medical attention, she reportedly refused it. But after suffering from an acute head ache, she flew to the Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. People Close to her had said that she was “brain-dead”.

Neurosurgeon Keith Black, chairman of the Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles tells us that of course treatment will be better when treated at an earlier stage. But since Richardson was examined by a medic, her postponing treatment would not put her at any huge risk, especially for younger patients. Black thinks that for Richardson to be brain dead, is a tad too catastrophic but is a possibility that is extremely rare.

We have always heard about to not to treat a head injury seriously. But, after reading this article, I realised that really how 1 minor injury to that head could be fatal to us. Brain dead = nearly dead. And, that seeking medical help immediately is very important. We must not assume that since we cannot see the injury we will just think that it’s fine. Maybe that fee you pay the doctor for the bruise (au-chee) can save your life! One thing I’m glad of? My neighbourhood has tons of clinics! I would not have to fear long queues if I suffered an injury (touch wood!) because I just have to move on the next one. :D

Done By: Lim Li Jun (8)
3 Sincerity!

Credits to: http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=talk-and-die-richardson