Artigo Original
EXPERT EVALUATION OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A DEFENDANT WITH BRAIN CANCER AND EPILEPSY: CASE REPORT
Como citar: Dias AG, Stangherlin GDF, Chiarini H, Dutra LDG, Haubenthal NA, Brum LM. EXPERT EVALUATION OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A DEFENDANT WITH BRAIN CANCER AND EPILEPSY: CASE REPORT. Persp Med Legal Pericia Med. Vol. 11, 2026; 260205.
https://dx.doi.org/10.47005/260205
Recebido em 14/01/2026
Aceito em 02/02/2026
The authors report no conflict of interest.
EXPERT EVALUATION OF CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY IN A DEFENDANT WITH BRAIN CANCER AND EPILEPSY: CASE REPORT
Resumo
INTRODUÇÃO: A avaliação da imputabilidade penal, regulada pelo artigo 26 do Código Penal Brasileiro, exige comprovação simultânea de doença mental e prejuízo na capacidade de entendimento ou autodeterminação. Tumores cerebrais e epilepsia, frequentemente associados a transtornos psiquiátricos, complicam essa análise. MÉTODO: Relato de caso pericial judicial envolvendo acusado com epilepsia desde a infância e diagnóstico de glioma pilocítico no lobo parietal esquerdo. Foram realizadas análise documental longitudinal (2017-2024), entrevista psiquiátrica forense detalhada e revisão bibliográfica atualizada para avaliação da sanidade mental e imputabilidade penal. RELATO DE CASO: O acusado apresentava histórico clínico de epilepsia, neoplasia cerebral e sintomas psiquiátricos (agressividade, labilidade emocional), além de anosognosia. Exames mostraram lesão tumoral significativa, com ressecção parcial e sequelas motoras. Avaliação psiquiátrica identificou funções cognitivas preservadas, porém comprometimento na autocrítica e controle volitivo. DISCUSSÃO: A interação entre tumor cerebral, epilepsia e transtornos psiquiátricos compromete a capacidade volitiva do indivíduo, apoiando a aplicação do critério biopsicológico de imputabilidade. A análise retrospectiva do estado mental foi possível graças à documentação longitudinal, mesmo com intervalo temporal entre o fato e a perícia. A presença de anosognosia reforça o nexo causal. CONCLUSÃO: Avaliações multidisciplinares e tecnicamente fundamentadas são essenciais para decisões justas na justiça criminal. O caso evidencia a importância da perícia especializada na proteção dos direitos de pessoas com transtornos mentais e recomenda tratamento ambulatorial multidisciplinar para indivíduos semi-imputáveis.
Palavras Chave: Imputabilidade; Psiquiatria Legal; Epilepsia; Neoplasias Encefálicas; Transtornos Mentais.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The assessment of criminal responsibility, regulated by Article 26 of the Brazilian Penal Code, requires simultaneous proof of mental illness and impairment in the capacity for understanding or self-determination. Brain tumors and epilepsy, often associated with psychiatric disorders, complicate this analysis. METHOD: Report of a forensic case involving a defendant with epilepsy since childhood and a diagnosis of pilocytic glioma in the left parietal lobe. Longitudinal document analysis (2017-2024), detailed forensic psychiatric interview, and updated literature review were performed to assess mental health and criminal responsibility. CASE REPORT: The defendant had a clinical history of epilepsy, brain neoplasm, and psychiatric symptoms (aggressiveness, emotional lability), in addition to anosognosia. Exams showed a significant tumor lesion, with partial resection and motor sequelae. Psychiatric evaluation identified preserved cognitive functions, but impaired self-criticism and volitional control. DISCUSSION: The interaction between brain tumor, epilepsy, and psychiatric disorders compromises the individual's volitional capacity, supporting the application of the biopsychological criterion of criminal responsibility. Retrospective analysis of mental status was possible thanks to longitudinal documentation, even with a time interval between the event and the examination. The presence of anosognosia reinforces the causal link. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary and technically sound assessments are essential for fair decisions in criminal justice. The case highlights the importance of specialized expertise in protecting the rights of people with mental disorders and recommends multidisciplinary outpatient treatment for individuals who are partially accountable.
Keywords (MeSH): Imputability; Forensic Psychiatry; Epilepsy; Brain Neoplasms; Mental Disorders.
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