“It is most probable that the decedent suffered an unwitnessed fall backwards and struck the posterior aspect of his head. The manner of death is accident,” wrote Chief Medical Examiner Joshua D. Stephany, MD, in a statement. “A toxicology analysis did not reveal any illicit drugs or toxins.” CNN reported that the autopsy did show traces of prescription drugs in Saget’s system, including Klonopin (clonazepam), which is taken for seizures, panic disorders, and anxiety, and the antidepressant trazodone. The medical examiner’s report also said that Saget tested positive for COVID-19 but that it was not a factor in his death, according to NBC News. Saget revealed he had COVID-19 in December. The autopsy report came a day after Saget’s family issued its own statement. “Now that we have the final conclusions from the authorities’ investigation, we felt it only proper that the fans hear those conclusions directly from us,” the family’s statement reads. “The authorities have determined that Bob passed from head trauma. They have concluded that he accidentally hit the back of his head on something, thought nothing of it, and went to sleep. No drugs or alcohol were involved.”
‘Full House’ Star Was on Tour at the Time of His Death
Best known for his role on the sitcom Full House and as host of America’s Funniest Home Videos, Saget, 65, died January 9. He was found unresponsive in his room at a hotel in Orlando, Florida. He was in the middle of his “I Don’t Do Negative” stand-up comedy tour and had just finished performing hours earlier. Hotel security entered Saget’s room after he failed to check out and family members became concerned that they were unable to contact him. According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, “deputies were called to the Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes for a call about an unresponsive man in a hotel room. The man was identified as Robert Saget and pronounced deceased on scene. Detectives found no signs of foul play or drug use in this case.”
What Is Head Trauma, and When Is It Serious?
“Head trauma most commonly occurs as a result of a blunt impact directly to the head. Aside from sports-related concussion, the most common causes are falls and automobile accidents,” says Michael Yochelson, MD, chief medical officer at Shepherd Center in Atlanta and a medical reviewer for Everyday Health. “Blunt head injury can occur from a blow to the head or the head striking a hard surface,” says Dr. Yochelson. “Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Concussions are mild traumatic brain injuries.” Head trauma may cause blood to collect within the skull (intracranial hematoma), according to the Mayo Clinic. The blood can collect in brain tissue or under the skull, putting pressure on the brain. It is potentially life-threatening and may require surgery to remove the blood.
What Are Common Symptoms and Danger Signs?
“If someone hits their head, they should pay close attention to symptoms,” says Yochelson. “It is very common to feel dazed or confused, develop a headache, nausea, or dizziness. These symptoms, in and of themselves, do not necessitate seeking immediate medical attention.” However, he cautions, individuals should immediately seek medical attention if they experience any of the following:
SeizuresProlonged loss of consciousnessFluctuating mental statusPoor arousal from sleepWeakness or numbness on one side of their bodySlurred speech“The worst headache of their life”Signs or symptoms that are getting progressively worse
Who Is Most at Risk for Serious Head Trauma?
“People over 75 have the greatest risk for severe TBI or death. People with underlying medical conditions, such as migraine, ADHD, learning disorders, and depression, and those with prior history of TBI or concussion have an increased risk for more severe and prolonged post-concussive symptoms, but do not have an increased risk for severe TBI or death,” says Yochelson. “Medications that can cause altered mental status or imbalance, particularly sleeping pills, increase the risk for falls, especially in the elderly and can increase the risk of TBI,” he adds. “Alcohol is the most common indirect cause of TBI because of increased risk for falls, motor vehicle accidents, and involvement in altercations when under the influence of alcohol.”
How Common Are Serious Head Trauma Cases?
“There are about 2.5 million to 3 million emergency room visits for brain injuries each year. Of these, about 225,000 people are hospitalized,” says Yochelson. “It is estimated that about 80 percent are mild, 10 percent are moderate, and 10 percent are severe. “Approximately 60,000 people die from TBI each year — less than 3 percent of all TBIs. It is likely that the total number is underestimated because many people who have a concussion or mild TBI do not present to the hospital or emergency department. Some estimates suggest that there are 3.8 million TBIs annually. Assuming that is the case, even a smaller percentage of total TBIs would be moderate, severe, or result in death.” Still, if you are having symptoms following a blow to the head, call 911 or be taken to an emergency room to be evaluated.
