Penetrating head injury: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{CMG}}; {{AE}} {{JE}}
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==Overview==
==Overview==


Penetrating head injury, or open head injury, is a life-threatening condition in which the [[dura mater]], is breached and there is a [[foreign body]] in the brain. Penetrating injury can be caused by high-[[velocity]] [[projectiles]] such as bullets, or objects of lower velocity such as knives, or bone fragments from a [[skull fracture]] that are driven into the brain. Although penetrating head injuries can be dramatic in appearance and presentation, the trajectory is of particular importance the case of gunshot wounds. Penetrating head injury can cause loss of abilities controlled by parts of the [[brain]] that are [[Brain damage|damaged]]. Risk factors for penetrating head injury include violence, accidents, and [[suicide]] attempts. Some complications include Infection, abscess formation, cerebrospinal [[fistula]], [[neuroendocrine]] dysfunction, [[cerebrospinal fluid]] leak, traumatic intracranial [[aneurysm]], [[dural venous sinuses]] thrombus, and bullet fragment migration. Immediate [[neurosurgery|neurosurgical]] consulting mandatory in all cases of penetrating head injuries. Compared to close head injuries, penetrating head injuries carries a worse prognosis.
Penetrating head injury, or open head injury, is a life-threatening condition in which the [[dura mater]], is breached and there is a [[foreign body]] in the brain. Penetrating injury can be caused by high-[[velocity]] [[projectiles]] such as bullets, or objects of lower velocity such as knives, or bone fragments from a [[skull fracture]] that are driven into the brain. Although penetrating head injuries can be dramatic in appearance and presentation, the trajectory is of particular importance the case of gunshot wounds. Penetrating head injury can cause loss of abilities controlled by parts of the [[brain]] that are [[Brain damage|damaged]]. Risk factors for penetrating head injury include violence, accidents, and [[suicide]] attempts. Some complications include Infection, abscess formation, cerebrospinal [[fistula]], [[neuroendocrine]] dysfunction, [[cerebrospinal fluid]] leak, traumatic intracranial [[aneurysm]], [[dural venous sinuses]] thrombus, and bullet fragment migration. Diagnosis is made by physical and [[Neurological examination|neurologic]] exams, [[Computed tomography|CT scan]], and [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]].  Immediate [[neurosurgery|neurosurgical]] consulting mandatory in all cases of penetrating head injuries. Compared to close head injuries, penetrating head injuries carries a worse prognosis.


==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==


*There is limited knowledge on the historical perspective of penetrating head injury.  
*There is limited knowledge on the historical perspective of penetrating head injury.
*Penetrating head injury secondary to stabbing through the cranium was first published in 1800.<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>
*Penetrating head injury secondary to stabbing through the cranium was first published in 1800.<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>


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==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
*The pathophysiology of penetrating head injury is due to injury to neuronal and vascular structures which is mostly focal. This injury leads to release of [[thromboplastin]], which can lead to problems with [[clot]]ting, [[infection]], [[cerebral edema|swelling]] or bleeding, potentially crushing delicate brain tissue. If severe, [[brain herniation]] can occur.  Most deaths from penetrating trauma are caused by damage to [[blood vessel]]s, leading to [[intracranial hematoma]]s and [[ischemia]] as early as 30 minutes after the initial injury. This can, in turn, lead to a [[biochemical cascade]] called the [[ischemic cascade]].<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/><ref name="Orlando Regional">Orlando Regional Healthcare, Education and Development. 2004. [http://www.manimalia.org/docs/TBI.pdf "Overview of Adult Traumatic Brain Injuries."] Retrieved on [[September 6]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>  
 
*Low-velocity objects usually cause penetrating injuries in the regions of the [[skull]]'s [[temporal bone]]s or [[orbital bone|orbital surface]]s; where the bones are thinner and thus more likely to break.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/>  Damage from lower-velocity penetrating injuries is restricted to the tract of the stab wound because the lower-velocity object does not create as much cavitation.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/>  However, low-velocity penetrating objects such as slow bullets may ricochet inside the skull, continuing to cause damage until they stop moving.<ref name="biausa">Brain Injury Association of America (BIAUSA).  [http://www.biausa.org/Pages/types_of_brain_injury.html#diffuse "Types of Brain Injury."] Retrieved on [[February 6]], [[2007]].</ref>
*The pathophysiology of penetrating head injury is due to injury to neuronal and vascular structures which is mostly focal. This injury leads to release of [[thromboplastin]], which can lead to problems with [[clot]]ting, [[infection]], [[cerebral edema|swelling]] or bleeding, potentially crushing delicate brain tissue. If severe, [[brain herniation]] can occur.  Most deaths from penetrating trauma are caused by damage to [[blood vessel]]s, leading to [[intracranial hematoma]]s and [[ischemia]] as early as 30 minutes after the initial injury. This can, in turn, lead to a [[biochemical cascade]] called the [[ischemic cascade]].<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" /><ref name="Orlando Regional">Orlando Regional Healthcare, Education and Development. 2004. [http://www.manimalia.org/docs/TBI.pdf "Overview of Adult Traumatic Brain Injuries."] Retrieved on [[September 6]], [[2007]].</ref><ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
*In penetrating injury from high-velocity missiles, injuries may occur not only from initial [[laceration]] and crushing of brain tissue by the [[projectile]] but also from the subsequent [[cavitation]].  High-velocity objects create [[centrifugal force]]s and can create a [[shock wave]] that cause stretch injuries, forming a cavity that is three to four times greater in [[diameter]] than the missile itself.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/> A pulsating temporary cavity is also formed by a high-speed missile and can have a diameter thirty times greater than that of the missile.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/> Though this cavity is reduced in size once the force is over, the tissue that was compressed during cavitation remains injured.  Destroyed brain tissue may either be ejected from [[entrance wound|entrance]] or [[exit wound]]s or packed up against the sides of the cavity formed by the missile.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/>
*Low-velocity objects usually cause penetrating injuries in the regions of the [[skull]]'s [[temporal bone]]s or [[orbital bone|orbital surface]]s; where the bones are thinner and thus more likely to break.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" />  Damage from lower-velocity penetrating injuries is restricted to the tract of the stab wound because the lower-velocity object does not create as much cavitation.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" />  However, low-velocity penetrating objects such as slow bullets may ricochet inside the skull, continuing to cause damage until they stop moving.<ref name="biausa">Brain Injury Association of America (BIAUSA).  [http://www.biausa.org/Pages/types_of_brain_injury.html#diffuse "Types of Brain Injury."] Retrieved on [[February 6]], [[2007]].</ref>
*In penetrating injury from high-velocity missiles, injuries may occur not only from initial [[laceration]] and crushing of brain tissue by the [[projectile]] but also from the subsequent [[cavitation]].  High-velocity objects create [[centrifugal force]]s and can create a [[shock wave]] that cause stretch injuries, forming a cavity that is three to four times greater in [[diameter]] than the missile itself.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" /> A pulsating temporary cavity is also formed by a high-speed missile and can have a diameter thirty times greater than that of the missile.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" /> Though this cavity is reduced in size once the force is over, the tissue that was compressed during cavitation remains injured.  Destroyed brain tissue may either be ejected from [[entrance wound|entrance]] or [[exit wound]]s or packed up against the sides of the cavity formed by the missile.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" />


==Causes==
==Causes==


Common causes of  penetrating head injury
Common causes of  penetrating head injury
*Angle grinders<ref name="pmid29693468">{{cite journal| author=Khan KA, Gandhi A, Sharma V, Jain S| title=Penetrating head injury due to angle grinder: an occupational hazard. | journal=Br J Neurosurg | year= 2019 | volume= 33 | issue= 2 | pages= 202-206 | pmid=29693468 | doi=10.1080/02688697.2018.1467375 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29693468  }} </ref>
*Angle grinders<ref name="pmid29693468">{{cite journal| author=Khan KA, Gandhi A, Sharma V, Jain S| title=Penetrating head injury due to angle grinder: an occupational hazard. | journal=Br J Neurosurg | year= 2019 | volume= 33 | issue= 2 | pages= 202-206 | pmid=29693468 | doi=10.1080/02688697.2018.1467375 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29693468  }} </ref>
*Nail Gun<ref name="pmid28551290">{{cite journal| author=Awori J, Wilkinson DA, Gemmete JJ, Thompson BG, Chaudhary N, Pandey AS| title=Penetrating Head Injury by a Nail Gun: Case Report, Review of the Literature, and Management Considerations. | journal=J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis | year= 2017 | volume= 26 | issue= 8 | pages= e143-e149 | pmid=28551290 | doi=10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.04.004 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28551290  }} </ref>
*Nail Gun<ref name="pmid28551290">{{cite journal| author=Awori J, Wilkinson DA, Gemmete JJ, Thompson BG, Chaudhary N, Pandey AS| title=Penetrating Head Injury by a Nail Gun: Case Report, Review of the Literature, and Management Considerations. | journal=J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis | year= 2017 | volume= 26 | issue= 8 | pages= e143-e149 | pmid=28551290 | doi=10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.04.004 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28551290  }} </ref>
[[File: Nail gun injuries..png|400px|left|thumb| Penetrating head injury due to nail gun(Picture courtesy: [https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult?img=PMC4710333_Neurosciences-20-267-g003&query=penetrating%20head%20injury&it=xg&req=4&npos=80 National Library of Medicine])]]
[[File: Nail gun injuries..png|400px|left|thumb| Penetrating head injury due to nail gun(Picture courtesy: [https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult?img=PMC4710333_Neurosciences-20-267-g003&query=penetrating%20head%20injury&it=xg&req=4&npos=80 National Library of Medicine])]]
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*Key<ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>
*Key<ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>
*Metal strip
*Metal strip
[[File:Child with impacted metal strip (white arrow)..png|400px|left|thumb| penetating head injury due to impacted metal strip (white arrow)(Picture courtesy: [https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult?img=PMC3205550_AJNS-6-39-g006&query=penetrating%20head%20injury&it=xg&req=4&npos=11 National Library of Medicine])]]
[[File:Child with impacted metal strip (white arrow)..png|400px|left|thumb| penetating head injury due to impacted metal strip (white arrow)(Picture courtesy: [https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult?img=PMC3205550_AJNS-6-39-g006&query=penetrating%20head%20injury&it=xg&req=4&npos=11 National Library of Medicine])]]
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Penetrating head injury must be differentiated from
Penetrating head injury must be differentiated from
*[[Traumatic brain injury]]
*[[Traumatic brain injury]]
*[[Head injury]]
*[[Head injury]]
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*The incidence of penetrating head injury has increased over the last decade with an estimated 35,000 civilian deaths annually.<ref name="pmid28091809">{{cite journal| author=Vakil MT, Singh AK| title=A review of penetrating brain trauma: epidemiology, pathophysiology, imaging assessment, complications, and treatment. | journal=Emerg Radiol | year= 2017 | volume= 24 | issue= 3 | pages= 301-309 | pmid=28091809 | doi=10.1007/s10140-016-1477-z | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28091809  }} </ref>
*The incidence of penetrating head injury has increased over the last decade with an estimated 35,000 civilian deaths annually.<ref name="pmid28091809">{{cite journal| author=Vakil MT, Singh AK| title=A review of penetrating brain trauma: epidemiology, pathophysiology, imaging assessment, complications, and treatment. | journal=Emerg Radiol | year= 2017 | volume= 24 | issue= 3 | pages= 301-309 | pmid=28091809 | doi=10.1007/s10140-016-1477-z | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=28091809  }} </ref>
*Patients of all age groups may experience penetrating head injury.
*Patients of all age groups may experience penetrating head injury.
*There is no racial predilection to penetrating head injury.
*There is no racial predilection to penetrating head injury.
*Penetrating head injury affects men and women equally.
*Penetrating head injury affects men and women equally.
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Common risk factors in the development of penetrating head injury include<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref>
Common risk factors in the development of penetrating head injury include<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref>
*Violence
*Violence
*Accidents
*Accidents
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**[[Dural venous sinuses]] thrombus
**[[Dural venous sinuses]] thrombus
**Bullet fragment migration
**Bullet fragment migration
**Neurological deficits  
**Neurological deficits
**[[copper]] or [[Lead]] toxicity from retained bullet fragments  
**[[copper]] or [[Lead]] toxicity from retained bullet fragments
**[[Death]]
**[[Death]]


*Prognosis is generally good with early decompressive craniectomy in non bullet penetrating objects.<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref> The highest-velocity injuries tend to have the worst associated damage.<ref name="Dawodu ">Dawodu S. 2007. [http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic212.htm "Traumatic Brain Injury: Definition, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology"] Emedicine.com.  Retrieved on [[February 6]], [[2007]].</ref> Penetrating injury from any missile such as a bullet has a mortality rate of 92%.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/> Thus, [[firearm]]s cause the most head injury-related deaths.<ref name="biausa"/>  Perforating injuries have an even worse prognosis.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis"/>About 70-90% of penetrating head injury victims die before arriving the hospital, and 50% of those who survive to the hospital die during resuscitation attempts in the emergency department.  
*Prognosis is generally good with early decompressive craniectomy in non bullet penetrating objects.<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref> The highest-velocity injuries tend to have the worst associated damage.<ref name="Dawodu">Dawodu S. 2007. [http://www.emedicine.com/pmr/topic212.htm "Traumatic Brain Injury: Definition, Epidemiology, Pathophysiology"] Emedicine.com.  Retrieved on [[February 6]], [[2007]].</ref> Penetrating injury from any missile such as a bullet has a mortality rate of 92%.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" /> Thus, [[firearm]]s cause the most head injury-related deaths.<ref name="biausa" />  Perforating injuries have an even worse prognosis.<ref name="Vinas and Pilistis" />About 70-90% of penetrating head injury victims die before arriving the hospital, and 50% of those who survive to the hospital die during resuscitation attempts in the emergency department.
 
The following clinical factors have been associated with poor outcomes<ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
The following clinical factors have been associated with poor outcomes<ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
*Low post-resuscitation [[glasgow coma scale]]
*Low post-resuscitation [[glasgow coma scale]]
*Older age
*Older age
*Large and unreactive [[pupil]]s  
*Large and unreactive [[pupil]]s
*Asymmetric [[Pupil]]
*Asymmetric [[Pupil]]
*[[Hypoxia]], and [[hypotension]] (Systolic [[blood pressures]] <90 mmHg).  
*[[Hypoxia]], and [[hypotension]] ([[Blood pressure|Systolic blood pressure]] <90 mmHg).
 
Other factors include  
Other factors include  
*Time to reach neurosurgeon
*Time to reach neurosurgeon
*Weapon ballistics, including
*Weapon ballistics, including
**Caliber  
**Caliber
**Proximity to the projectile’s source.
**Proximity to the projectile’s source.


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The hallmark of penetrating head injury is finding<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid26049926">{{cite journal| author=Lewis JD, Krueger F, Raymont V, Solomon J, Knutson KM, Barbey AK | display-authors=etal| title=Anhedonia in combat veterans with penetrating head injury. | journal=Brain Imaging Behav | year= 2015 | volume= 9 | issue= 3 | pages= 456-60 | pmid=26049926 | doi=10.1007/s11682-015-9414-4 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=26049926  }} </ref><ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>
The hallmark of penetrating head injury is finding<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid26049926">{{cite journal| author=Lewis JD, Krueger F, Raymont V, Solomon J, Knutson KM, Barbey AK | display-authors=etal| title=Anhedonia in combat veterans with penetrating head injury. | journal=Brain Imaging Behav | year= 2015 | volume= 9 | issue= 3 | pages= 456-60 | pmid=26049926 | doi=10.1007/s11682-015-9414-4 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=26049926  }} </ref><ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>
*[[Headache]]
*[[Headache]]
*[[Nausea and vomiting|Vomiting]]
*[[Nausea and vomiting|Vomiting]]
*[[Confusion]]
*[[Confusion]]
*[[Hemiparesis]]
*Weakness of extremities
*[[Decerebration]]
*[[Loss of consciousness]]
*[[Coma]]
*Motor [[ aphasia]]
*[[Seizure]]
*[[Seizure]]
*[[Anhedonia]] in patients with right ventrolateral injury
*[[Anhedonia]] in patients with right ventrolateral injury
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Common physical examination findings of penetrating head injury include<ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
Common physical examination findings of penetrating head injury include<ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
*Penetrating object in the skull.
*Penetrating object in the skull.
*[[Neurological examination|Neurologic deficit]]
*[[Neurological examination|Neurologic deficit]]
**[[Motor coordination|Motor}} and sensory skills  
**[[Motor coordination|Motor]] and sensory skills
**[[Hearing]] and [[speech]]
**[[Hearing]] and [[speech]]
**[[Motor coordination|Coordination]] and [[Balance disorder|balance]]
**[[Motor coordination|Coordination]] and [[Balance disorder|balance]]
**[[Mental status examination|Mental status]]  
**[[Mental status examination|Mental status]]
**[[Mood]] or [[behavior]] changes
**[[Mood]] or [[behavior]] changes
*[Normal to abnormal [Glasgow Coma Scale]] (GCS). GCS is considered to be the best single predictor of good or bad outcome following penetrating head injury. [[Survival rate]] is 0-8.1%, 35.6% and 90.5% for GCS scores of 3-5, 6-8 and 9-15 respectively  
*Normal to abnormal [[Glasgow Coma Scale]] (GCS). GCS is considered to be the best single predictor of good or bad outcome following penetrating head injury. [[Survival rate]] is 0-8.1%, 35.6% and 90.5% for GCS scores of 3-5, 6-8 and 9-15 respectively  
**GCS 8-15 and somnolence: Sleepy, easy to wake
**GCS 8-15 and somnolence: Sleepy, easy to wake
**GCS 8-15 and stupor: Hypnoid, hard to wake
**GCS 8-15 and stupor: Hypnoid, hard to wake
Line 184: Line 196:


[[Cranial]] [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] may be helpful in the diagnosis of penetrating head injury.  
[[Cranial]] [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] may be helpful in the diagnosis of penetrating head injury.  
*[[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] can be dangerous in cases of retained ferromagnetic objects as it can move in response to the magnetic torque.<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref>
*[[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] can be dangerous in cases of retained ferromagnetic objects as it can move in response to the magnetic torque.<ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref>
[[File: PHI MRI.png|400px|left|thumb|MRI showing perforating eyelid injury extending to the brain stem. C/left shows brain edema (arrowhead), D/right shows site of penetration through the periorbital puncture (arrowhead). (Picture courtesy: [https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult?img=PMC2822793_1752-1947-4-18-2&query=penetrating%20head%20injury%20MRI&it=xg&req=4&npos=30 National Library of Medicine])]]
[[File: PHI MRI.png|400px|left|thumb|MRI showing perforating eyelid injury extending to the brain stem. C/left shows brain edema (arrowhead), D/right shows site of penetration through the periorbital puncture (arrowhead). (Picture courtesy: [https://openi.nlm.nih.gov/detailedresult?img=PMC2822793_1752-1947-4-18-2&query=penetrating%20head%20injury%20MRI&it=xg&req=4&npos=30 National Library of Medicine])]]
<br style="clear:left">
<br style="clear:left">
Line 198: Line 212:
==Treatment==
==Treatment==


'''Medical Therapy'''
===Medical Therapy===


*Penetrating head injury is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.  
*Penetrating head injury is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
*Aggressive resuscitation has been associated with improved survival.<ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
*Aggressive resuscitation has been associated with improved survival.<ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
**Correction of  [[hypotension]]and [[Hypoxemia|hypoxia]]
**Correction of  [[hypotension]]and [[Hypoxemia|hypoxia]]
**[[Intubation|Airway maintenance]]
**[[Intubation|Airway maintenance]]
**Control of  [[hemorrhaging]]  
**Control of  [[hemorrhaging]]
**Hyperosmolar therapy with [[mannitol]] or hypertonic [[saline]]  
**Hyperosmolar therapy with [[mannitol]] or hypertonic [[saline]]
**Correction of traumatic [[coagulopathy]]
**Correction of traumatic [[coagulopathy]]
**Placement of a [[Cervical collar|cervical immobilization]] device
**Placement of a [[Cervical collar|cervical immobilization]] device
Line 219: Line 233:
**[[Analgesic|Analgesics]]
**[[Analgesic|Analgesics]]


'''Surgery'''
===Surgery===


Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for penetrating head injury. Procedures used are <ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for penetrating head injury. Procedures used are <ref name="pmid29721135">{{cite journal| author=Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M| title=Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review. | journal=Pan Afr Med J | year= 2017 | volume= 28 | issue=  | pages= 305 | pmid=29721135 | doi=10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376 | pmc=5927577 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=29721135  }} </ref><ref name="pmid31057987">{{cite journal| author=Young JB, Godara P, Williams V, Summerfelt P, Connor TB, Tarima S | display-authors=etal| title=Assessing Retinal Structure in Patients with Parkinson's Disease. | journal=J Neurol Neurophysiol | year= 2019 | volume= 10 | issue= 1 | pages=  | pmid=31057987 | doi=10.4172/2155-9562.1000485 | pmc=6494090 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=31057987  }} </ref>
*[[Decompressive craniectomy|Craniectomy]] with [[dura mater]] plasty
*[[Decompressive craniectomy|Craniectomy]] with [[dura mater]] plasty
*[[Craniotomy]]
*[[Craniotomy]]
Both procedures have been shown to have similar morbidity and mortality. Optimum outcomes have been reported with early decompressive craniectomy.
Both procedures have been shown to have similar morbidity and mortality. Optimum outcomes have been reported with early decompressive craniectomy.
==Prevention==
===Primary Prevention===
Effective measures for the primary prevention of penetrating head injury include<ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>


'''Primary Prevention'''
Effective measures for the primary prevention of penetrating head injury include<ref name="pmid27054647">{{cite journal| author=Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB| title=Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report. | journal=Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg | year= 2015 | volume= 21 | issue= 6 | pages= 524-6 | pmid=27054647 | doi=10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958 | pmc= | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27054647  }} </ref>
*An effective measure for the primary prevention of penetrating head injury are helmets
*An effective measure for the primary prevention of penetrating head injury are helmets
*Use seat health while driving  
*Use seat health while driving
'''Secondary Prevention'''
 
===Secondary Prevention===


*There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of penetrating head injury.
*There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of penetrating head injury.
==See also==


==References==
==References==
<references/>
{{Reflist|2}}


[[Category:Neurotrauma]]
[[Category:Neurotrauma]]
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Latest revision as of 17:29, 22 September 2020

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Joanna Ekabua, M.D. [2]

Synonyms and keywords:: Penetrating head injury

Overview

Penetrating head injury, or open head injury, is a life-threatening condition in which the dura mater, is breached and there is a foreign body in the brain. Penetrating injury can be caused by high-velocity projectiles such as bullets, or objects of lower velocity such as knives, or bone fragments from a skull fracture that are driven into the brain. Although penetrating head injuries can be dramatic in appearance and presentation, the trajectory is of particular importance the case of gunshot wounds. Penetrating head injury can cause loss of abilities controlled by parts of the brain that are damaged. Risk factors for penetrating head injury include violence, accidents, and suicide attempts. Some complications include Infection, abscess formation, cerebrospinal fistula, neuroendocrine dysfunction, cerebrospinal fluid leak, traumatic intracranial aneurysm, dural venous sinuses thrombus, and bullet fragment migration. Diagnosis is made by physical and neurologic exams, CT scan, and MRI. Immediate neurosurgical consulting mandatory in all cases of penetrating head injuries. Compared to close head injuries, penetrating head injuries carries a worse prognosis.

Historical Perspective

  • There is limited knowledge on the historical perspective of penetrating head injury.
  • Penetrating head injury secondary to stabbing through the cranium was first published in 1800.[1][2]

Classification

  • Penetrating head injury may be classified into 2 main groups based on messile type[3][4]
    • Non-missile type
    • Missle type
  • Wounds resulting from penetrating brain injury can be classified into five categories[5]
    • Tangential
    • Penetrating
    • Perforating
    • Ricochet
    • Careening.

Pathophysiology

  • The pathophysiology of penetrating head injury is due to injury to neuronal and vascular structures which is mostly focal. This injury leads to release of thromboplastin, which can lead to problems with clotting, infection, swelling or bleeding, potentially crushing delicate brain tissue. If severe, brain herniation can occur. Most deaths from penetrating trauma are caused by damage to blood vessels, leading to intracranial hematomas and ischemia as early as 30 minutes after the initial injury. This can, in turn, lead to a biochemical cascade called the ischemic cascade.[6][7][5]
  • Low-velocity objects usually cause penetrating injuries in the regions of the skull's temporal bones or orbital surfaces; where the bones are thinner and thus more likely to break.[6] Damage from lower-velocity penetrating injuries is restricted to the tract of the stab wound because the lower-velocity object does not create as much cavitation.[6] However, low-velocity penetrating objects such as slow bullets may ricochet inside the skull, continuing to cause damage until they stop moving.[8]
  • In penetrating injury from high-velocity missiles, injuries may occur not only from initial laceration and crushing of brain tissue by the projectile but also from the subsequent cavitation. High-velocity objects create centrifugal forces and can create a shock wave that cause stretch injuries, forming a cavity that is three to four times greater in diameter than the missile itself.[6] A pulsating temporary cavity is also formed by a high-speed missile and can have a diameter thirty times greater than that of the missile.[6] Though this cavity is reduced in size once the force is over, the tissue that was compressed during cavitation remains injured. Destroyed brain tissue may either be ejected from entrance or exit wounds or packed up against the sides of the cavity formed by the missile.[6]

Causes

Common causes of penetrating head injury

Penetrating head injury due to nail gun(Picture courtesy: National Library of Medicine)


penetating head injury due to impacted metal strip (white arrow)(Picture courtesy: National Library of Medicine)


Differentiating Penetrating Head Injury from other Diseases

Penetrating head injury must be differentiated from

Epidemiology and Demographics

  • The incidence of penetrating head injury has increased over the last decade with an estimated 35,000 civilian deaths annually.[12]
  • Patients of all age groups may experience penetrating head injury.
  • There is no racial predilection to penetrating head injury.
  • Penetrating head injury affects men and women equally.

Risk Factors

Common risk factors in the development of penetrating head injury include[1]

  • Violence
  • Accidents
  • Explosions/blast
  • Suicide attempts

Screening

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for penetrating head injury.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

  • If left untreated, 100% of patients with penetrating head injury die.[1]
  • Prognosis is generally good with early decompressive craniectomy in non bullet penetrating objects.[1][5] The highest-velocity injuries tend to have the worst associated damage.[14] Penetrating injury from any missile such as a bullet has a mortality rate of 92%.[6] Thus, firearms cause the most head injury-related deaths.[8] Perforating injuries have an even worse prognosis.[6]About 70-90% of penetrating head injury victims die before arriving the hospital, and 50% of those who survive to the hospital die during resuscitation attempts in the emergency department.

The following clinical factors have been associated with poor outcomes[5]

Other factors include

  • Time to reach neurosurgeon
  • Weapon ballistics, including
    • Caliber
    • Proximity to the projectile’s source.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

  • There are no established criteria for the diagnosis of penetrating head injury.

History and Symptoms

The hallmark of penetrating head injury is finding[1][15][2]

Physical Examination

Common physical examination findings of penetrating head injury include[5]

  • Penetrating object in the skull.
  • Neurologic deficit
  • Normal to abnormal Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). GCS is considered to be the best single predictor of good or bad outcome following penetrating head injury. Survival rate is 0-8.1%, 35.6% and 90.5% for GCS scores of 3-5, 6-8 and 9-15 respectively
    • GCS 8-15 and somnolence: Sleepy, easy to wake
    • GCS 8-15 and stupor: Hypnoid, hard to wake
    • GCS ≥ 13: Mild Head Injury
    • GCS 9–12: Moderate Head Injury
    • GCS ≤ 8: Severe Head Injury
    • GCS 7-8: Light coma; Coma Grade I
    • GCS 5-6: Light coma; Coma Grade II
    • GCS 4: Deep coma; Coma Grade III
    • GCS 3: Deep coma; Coma Grade IV

{{#ev:youtube|FihnmEx6Rqk}}

Laboratory Findings

  • There are no diagnostic laboratory findings associated with penetrating head injury.

Electrocardiogram

  • There are no ECG findings associated with penetrating head injury.

X-ray

An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of penetrating head injury

X-ray showing orbitocranial penetrating head injury due to an iron rod (Picture courtesy: National Library of Medicine)


Sagittal view X-ray showing orbitocranial penetrating head injury due to an iron rod (Picture courtesy: National Library of Medicine)


Ultrasound

  • There are no ultrasound findings associated with penetrating head injury.

CT Scan

Head CT scan is helpful in the diagnosis of penetrating head injury. CT scan shows the foreign object.

Plain CT demonstrating intracranial nails with 3D reconstruction(right) (Picture courtesy: National Library of Medicine)


Coronal scout CT showing a 9-inch knife entering the right temporal region, above the right zygomatic arch crossing the right orbit. Case courtesy of Radswiki (Picture courtesy: Radiopaedia)


Sagittal scout CT showing a 9-inch knife entering the right temporal region, above the right zygomatic arch crossing the right orbit. Case courtesy of Radswiki (Picture courtesy: Radiopaedia)


MRI

Cranial MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of penetrating head injury.

  • MRI can be dangerous in cases of retained ferromagnetic objects as it can move in response to the magnetic torque.[1]
MRI showing perforating eyelid injury extending to the brain stem. C/left shows brain edema (arrowhead), D/right shows site of penetration through the periorbital puncture (arrowhead). (Picture courtesy: National Library of Medicine)


Other Imaging Findings

  • There are no other imaging findings associated with penetrating head injury.

Other Diagnostic Studies

  • There are no other diagnostic studies associated with penetrating head injury.

Treatment

Medical Therapy

  • Penetrating head injury is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment.
  • Aggressive resuscitation has been associated with improved survival.[5]
  • Treatment of penetrating head injury aims at controlling bleeding, intracranial pressure, and preventing infections.[1]
    • Ceftriaxone
      • 1 g IV 0.5 to 2 hours prior to surgery.
      • 4 g/day IV divided every 12 to 24 hours; maximum 4 g/day[16]
    • Metronidazole
      • Loading Dose: 15 mg/kg infused over one hour (approximately 1 g for a 70-kg adult).
      • Maintenance Dose: 7.5 mg/kg infused over one hour every six hours (approximately 500 mg for a 70-kg adult). The first maintenance dose should be instituted six hours following the initiation of the loading dose.
    • Anticonvulsant
    • Antitetanic vaccine
    • Analgesics

Surgery

Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for penetrating head injury. Procedures used are [1][5]

Both procedures have been shown to have similar morbidity and mortality. Optimum outcomes have been reported with early decompressive craniectomy.

Prevention

Primary Prevention

Effective measures for the primary prevention of penetrating head injury include[2]

  • An effective measure for the primary prevention of penetrating head injury are helmets
  • Use seat health while driving

Secondary Prevention

  • There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of penetrating head injury.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Fahde Y, Laghmari M, Skoumi M (2017). "Penetrating head trauma: 03 rare cases and literature review". Pan Afr Med J. 28: 305. doi:10.11604/pamj.2017.28.305.10376. PMC 5927577. PMID 29721135.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Das JM, Chandra S, Prabhakar RB (2015). "Penetrating brain injury with a bike key: a case report". Ulus Travma Acil Cerrahi Derg. 21 (6): 524–6. doi:10.5505/tjtes.2015.43958. PMID 27054647.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Khan KA, Gandhi A, Sharma V, Jain S (2019). "Penetrating head injury due to angle grinder: an occupational hazard". Br J Neurosurg. 33 (2): 202–206. doi:10.1080/02688697.2018.1467375. PMID 29693468.
  4. Drosos E, Giakoumettis D, Blionas A, Mitsios A, Sfakianos G, Themistocleous M (2018). "Pediatric Nonmissile Penetrating Head Injury: Case Series and Literature Review". World Neurosurg. 110: 193–205. doi:10.1016/j.wneu.2017.11.037. PMID 29155117.
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