Coroner's Finding: Atkinson, James Robert

80y · Male·Subdural haematoma from closed head injury sustained in a fall at his residence

James Robert Atkinson, aged 80, died from subdural haematoma sustained in a fall at his home in Tasmania on 11 July 2014, four days after sustaining another head injury. He had mixed Alzheimer's and vascular dementia diagnosed in August 2013, was prone to falls, and was reluctant to use recommended mobility aids. He fell from his bed during the night and was found unresponsive with slurred speech and neurological signs. Urgent CT imaging revealed acute subdural haematoma covering the entire right cerebral hemisphere. Following transfer to Royal Hobart Hospital's neurological ward, he developed deep vein thrombosis requiring emergency bilateral femoral artery embolectomy. His condition progressively deteriorated and he died on 24 July 2014. The coroner noted his reluctance to engage with safety suggestions may have contributed to the fatal outcome.