· Has the person had a blow to the head, exposure to toxins, any disease of the central nervous system?
· Ask the person to show you any scars, especially on the head and face. Ask permission to feel the head and examine any “dings or dents”.
· Ask how the injury happened and if there are any scars not visible. Ask questions about injuries several different ways, such as...
o Have you ever been in a car accident?
o Have you ever felt dazed or stunned after a fall?
o Have you ever been hit in the head during a fight?
· Check to see if there is any record or indication of abuse or beating by asking if the person has been...
o punched
o beaten with a stick, board, pipe, or belt buckle
o beaten with a belt or switch other than on the buttocks
o been deliberately cut, burned, or thrown down stairs or across a room.
