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Richardson brain injury
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Jodi Parrish
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Actress Natasha Richardson is in critical condition after suffering a severe brain injury from a fall while skiing. Richardson, who starred in The Parent Trap and Maid in Manhattan, is married to actor Liam Neeson.
She was on vacation with one of their two children taking a private ski lesson when she reportedly fell and hit her head on the bunny slope. She is surrounded by her family in a New York hospital where she is on life support, but her prognosis is grim.
Dr. Greer, MGH Neurologist
"It's not that common that people have severe head injuries from skiing accidents that I am aware of."
It's hard to imagine such damage from what appeared to be a minor fall. But doctors say injuries can occur from even the slightest bump or impact to the head.
Dr. Greer, MGH Neurologist
"If you hit at the wrong angle or your brain shakes the wrong way inside your skull, you can do an awful lot of damage, especially if you are not wearing a helmet"
Reports say Richardson did not have a helmet on at the time of the accident, and bruises or bumps sustained from these types of injuries quickly lead to more serious consequences.
Dr. Greer, MGH Neurologist
"The bruise can get bigger and bigger, and more leakage of blood comes into the brain itself, and that's why patients can go from looking ok to deteriorating and having a really bad neurological problem."
Treatment for these types of injuries depends on the severity or extent of damage done to the brain.
Dr. Greer, MGH Neurologist
"We'll use medicines to try and control swelling and there are certain agents that can shrink swelling and keep it from being severe."
Doctors say safety and preventative measures are the best defense to avoiding a head injury.
Dr. Greer, MGH Neurologist
"Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or skiing, even on the bunny slope, wear a helmet, it's a hard surface and you don't want to bang your head against it."
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