Inquest into the death of Alison Woods

5y · Female·chronic hydrocephalus

Alison Rose Woods, a 5-year-old girl with severe congenital brain damage, spastic quadriplegia, and chronic hydrocephalus since birth, died at home in Katherine on 2 July 2004. She required constant medication and full-time care for daily seizures and severe developmental delay. Post-mortem examination confirmed death from chronic hydrocephalus; progressive increase in intracranial pressure had reduced brain size to extremely thin tissue. The coroner found no evidence of injury or disease, confirmed excellent care provision by parents and carers throughout her life, and identified no preventable factors. This case underscores the natural progression of severe congenital neurological conditions and highlights appropriate end-of-life care in community settings for children with profound disabilities.