Penetrating head injury

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Penetrating head injury
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Loss of consciousness, headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, neurological deficits
Complications	Infection, intracranial hemorrhage, brain damage, cerebral edema
Onset	Acute
Duration	Variable, depending on severity
Types	N/A
Causes	Gunshot wound, stabbing, shrapnel
Risks	Traumatic brain injury, infection, hemorrhage
Diagnosis	CT scan, MRI, neurological examination
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Surgery, antibiotics, anticonvulsants, rehabilitation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Depends on severity and location of injury
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Penetrating skull fracture

Phineas Gage - 1868 skull diagram

Penetrating head injury is a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in which an object pierces the skull and enters the brain. Unlike other forms of TBI, such as concussions and contusions, penetrating head injuries can be fatal if not treated immediately and properly.

Causes

Penetrating head injuries can be caused by a variety of objects, including bullets, knives, and sharp pieces of metal or glass. They can also occur as a result of high-speed collisions, such as car accidents or falls from great heights. In some cases, penetrating head injuries can be self-inflicted.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a penetrating head injury can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and the area of the brain that is affected. Common symptoms include severe headache, loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and changes in personality or behavior. In severe cases, a penetrating head injury can lead to coma or death.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a penetrating head injury typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI. These tests can help to determine the extent of the injury and the presence of any foreign objects in the brain.

Treatment

Treatment for a penetrating head injury usually involves surgery to remove the foreign object and repair the damage to the brain. This may be followed by rehabilitation therapy to help the patient regain lost skills and abilities.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a penetrating head injury depends on a number of factors, including the severity of the injury, the location of the injury, the patient's age and overall health, and the speed and effectiveness of treatment. Some patients may make a full recovery, while others may have long-term or permanent disabilities.

See also

• Traumatic brain injury
• Concussion
• Contusion
• Computed tomography
• Magnetic resonance imaging

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