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Acute Brain Trauma in Mice Followed By Longitudinal Two-photon Imaging
Published on: April 6, 2014
Multiple cranial gunshot injuries without skull penetration.
Johannes Kuchta1, Norfrid Klug
1Department of Neurosurgery, MediaParc Clinic, Cologne, Germany. phonosphere@web.de
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|February 26, 2009
Summary
A 74-year-old patient survived a suicide attempt with two gunshots to the head. Surgeons successfully removed all three bullets, preventing neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Suicide attempts pose significant clinical challenges.
- Firearm-related injuries require immediate and specialized medical intervention.
Observation:
- A 74-year-old male presented after a suicide attempt with bilateral temporal gunshot wounds.
- Clinical examination revealed no neurological deficits, but bleeding from the mouth was noted.
- Emergency computed tomography (CT) identified three bullets lodged in the temporal bone and hard palate.
Findings:
- Surgical removal of all three bullets under general anesthesia was performed without complications.
- The patient recovered without any neurological deficits.
- A World War II-era Luger handgun with degraded ammunition was identified as the weapon.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for survival even with complex head injuries.
- Successful management underscores the importance of prompt surgical intervention in penetrating head trauma.
- The use of aged ammunition may influence ballistics and injury patterns.

