The Forensic Implications of Amphetamine Intoxication in Cases of Inflicted Blunt Craniocerebral Trauma

Roger W Byard; James J Donkin; Robert Vink

doi:10.1111/1556-4029.13509

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The Forensic Implications of Amphetamine Intoxication in Cases of Inflicted Blunt Craniocerebral Trauma

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The Forensic Implications of Amphetamine Intoxication in Cases of Inflicted Blunt Craniocerebral Trauma

Roger W Byard, James J Donkin and Robert Vink

Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol.63(1), pp.151-153

2018

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13509

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Abstract

forensic science

amphetamine toxicity

traumatic brain injury

blunt head trauma

neuroprotection

dopamine

flight or fight

The effects of D-amphetamine on outcome after blunt craniocerebral trauma are characterized and the potential legal implica-tions discussed. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was induced under general anesthesia in adult, male Sprague Dawley rats using the impact accel-eration model. At 10 min prior to injury, D-amphetamine (5 mg/kg) or saline vehicle was administered subcutaneously; animals weresubsequently assessed over a 7-day period post-trauma for motor outcome using a rotarod device. D-amphetamine treated animals performedsignificantly better (p < 0.001; ANOVA) than vehicle treated controls on their motor assessment, suggesting that D-amphetamine exposureprior to injury either is neuroprotective or enhances motor performance. It is possible, therefore, that an individual who has taken amphetaminesmay function at a better motor level after head trauma than one who has not been exposed to the drug. Future interpretations of the potentialeffects of amphetamines on TBI should include this possibility.

Details

Title: The Forensic Implications of Amphetamine Intoxication in Cases of Inflicted Blunt Craniocerebral Trauma
Authors: Roger W Byard (Corresponding Author) - University of Adelaide
James J Donkin (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Robert Vink (Author) - University of South Australia
Publication details: Journal of Forensic Sciences, Vol.63(1), pp.151-153
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Inc.
Date published: 2018
DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13509
ISSN: 0022-1198
Organisation Unit: UniSC Clinical Trials Centre; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450928402621
Output Type: Journal article

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