This case report describes the unusual complications of a simple fall in a person with a profound neurological disorder, Hallervorden-Spatz disease. The fall produced a laceration of the forehead, skull fractures and severe occipital contrecoup contusions. Such contrecoup contusions are rare and may be a feature of this case because of the abnormal limb rigidity displayed in Hallervorden-Spatz disease. The mechanisms of injury are discussed.
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