Disabled woman's brain injury went undetected

The family of a blind and disabled woman who died after a fall did not seek medical attention because they were unaware of the extent of the woman's injuries, a coroner was told.

Coroner Max Atkins has held an inquest into the September 25, 2003, death of Whangarei invalid beneficiary Matekino Wihongi, 52.

At Friday's inquest, he found Mrs Wihongi died in Whangarei Hospital after a cerebral oedema (swelling of the brain) associated with a blood clot after a fall in the toilet.

He said Mrs Wihongi had a chronic neurological disorder and pathology reports suggested there had been a cumulative effect on her health from previous injuries.

Mrs Wihongi had fallen in the toilet at her home three days before she died.

Evidence presented by her family said Mrs Wihongi - who suffered from multiple sclerosis, was wheelchair-bound and blind - had fallen before.

Her family said she did not communicate with those she did not know but "could whisper the odd word" to family and caregivers.

Hopa Wihongi, her husband, said he had not sought medical attention because she did not indicate she was hurt and it did not look as if she had hurt herself.

Her son, Grant Wihongi, said that a few years earlier Mrs Wihongi had hit her head falling in the toilet and medical attention had also not been sought.

Mr Atkins said the last few years of Mrs Wihongi's life must have been difficult for her and her family with her increasing reliance on others.

"Looking after the deceased was obviously very difficult and frustrating but it would appear on at least one previous occasion medical attention should have been obtained when Mrs Wihongi injured herself ."

But he agreed that Mrs Wihongi's condition would likely have made it difficult to gauge the severity of any injury she suffered.

- NZPA