STEP 2: Concussion Live Course - November 5-6, 2024, in San Diego, CA-Case Discussion: Risk Factors of Special Populations (Intimate Partner Violence)

Pdf Summary

This document focuses on a clinical case involving a 39-year-old Hispanic woman who has suffered multiple head injuries due to intimate partner violence (IPV), which has resulted in cognitive impairments. Over several years, she experienced repeated assaults from her former spouse, resulting in concussions and other injuries. Notably, she has a history of "numerous head injuries" due to abuse over a five-year period, documented incidents including "fall from standing," syncope, contusions, and being kicked in the knee. Despite previous arrests of her abuser and attempts at seeking help from shelters and family, persistent stalking and lack of effective police intervention remain issues. <br /><br />Symptoms reported include debilitating headaches, memory problems, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and sensory impairments, consistent with traumatic brain injuries. Her risk is exacerbated by mental health disorders and sociodemographic factors such as social shame, weak community sanctions, and strict gender norms. Physical assessments showed delayed processing speed and diminished recall, among other signs indicative of brain injuries.<br /><br />IPV is highlighted as a significant public health issue, affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men, and accounting for 15% of all violent crimes. It frequently results in victims sustaining injuries to the head, face, and neck, causing brain injuries in up to 92% of IPV incidents. Despite its prevalence, only 34% of IPV victims receive medical care, and many lose their jobs due to abuse-related issues.<br /><br />The document emphasizes the need for increased awareness and stronger intervention measures to address the "invisible epidemic" of traumatic brain injuries resulting from domestic violence, underscoring this critical public health challenge.

Asset Subtitle

Kathleen R. Bell, MD

Keywords

intimate partner violence

traumatic brain injury

domestic violence

cognitive impairments

public health issue

mental health disorders

sociodemographic factors

police intervention

awareness

intervention measures