Brain Autopsy
What does a brain autopsy involve?
Our brain autopsy service is comprehensive and specializes in the removal and detailed evaluation of the brain, providing critical insights into conditions that may have contributed to your loved one’s passing. This comprehensive examination includes analysis for:
- Trauma: Assessing for physical injuries such as contusions, hemorrhages, or fractures that may have resulted from accidents or other incidents.
- Vascular Disease/Stroke: Investigating signs of stroke, aneurysms, or other vascular abnormalities.
- Cancer/Tumors/Masses: Identifying and evaluating brain cancers, metastatic cancers, or other growths that could have impacted neurological function or overall health.
Specialized Neurological Disease Evaluation
For cases involving suspected dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other complex neurological diseases, expert neuropathologist consultation is available. This advanced service includes:
- Extensive Laboratory Analysis: Utilizing specialized staining techniques and microscopic evaluation to detect hallmark signs of neurodegenerative diseases.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: Confirmation of brain tissue changes, such as amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, that are associated with these conditions.
- Evaluation of Other Neurological Disorders: Diagnosing conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or rare hereditary neurological diseases.
This in-depth evaluation is offered for an additional fee of $2,400 and is conducted by leading neuropathology specialists, ensuring accurate and reliable results
When to Choose a Brain Autopsy
Families may opt for a brain autopsy in situations such as:
- Unexplained Cognitive Decline: If your loved one experienced memory loss, confusion, or behavioral changes before their passing.
- Legal or Medical Concerns: To investigate brain injuries related to accidents, assaults, or suspected wrongful death.
- Family History of Neurological Disease: When understanding potential hereditary risks is important for surviving family members.
- Clarity on Cause of Death: To explore specific brain-related conditions that could not be fully diagnosed during life.
Additional Testing Options
To enhance the findings from the brain autopsy, we offer additional testing, such as:
- Genetic Testing: Identify hereditary markers for diseases like Alzheimer’s or other genetic disorders.
- Toxicology Screening: Determine if exposure to substances or toxins affected brain function or contributed to the cause of death.
Why Choose Illume for Brain Autopsies?
At Illume, we combine expert medical care with compassionate guidance to ensure families receive the answers they need. Our state-of-the-art procedures and access to neuropathology specialists ensure that every brain autopsy is handled with precision and professionalism. We provide detailed documentation and are committed to supporting families throughout the process, offering peace of mind and critical insights into neurological health.