Autopsy results have revealed that Natasha Richardson, 45, died of blunt force trauma to her brain.
However, doctors said Natasha Richardson might have survived had she received immediate treatment. Reports indicate that the first ambulance called after her fall was turned away after the actress indicated she "was fine."
Richardson suffered from an epidural hematoma, which causes bleeding between the skull and the brain's covering (the dura). A bruise is an external form of hematoma. The pressure from the clot caused by the bleeding can force the the brain downward and interfere with functions such as breathing.
Much as Natasha Richardson did, patients with such an injury frequently feel fine immediately after injury as symptoms from the bleeding may take time to emerge.
This points out something that's taken very seriously in sports. In any head injury, no matter how minor, extreme care is taken.
Dr. Keith Siller of New York University Langone Medical Center said:
"This is a very treatable condition if you're aware of what the problem is and the patient is quickly transferred to a hospital. But there is very little time to correct this."
It is still unclear exactly how the trauma occurred, however.
Broadway theaters intend to dim their theatre marquees for one minute at 8PM Thursday in honor of Natasha Richardson. 8 PM is the traditional starting time for evening performances of Broadway shows.
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