Neuropsychological outcome in children with gunshot wounds to the brain

During the years 1985-1987, 45 children were hospitalized at our institution for gunshot wounds (GSWs). Twelve suffered GSWs to the brain and five of these survived to be followed by the multidisciplinary team. The purpose of this article is to discuss the neuropsychological outcome of three children who sustained GSWs to the brain during this time period. At our institution, children return for regular follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon, neuroscience clinical nurse specialist and neuropsychologist. The neurosurgeon conducts the neurological examination, and the nurse performs a developmental assessment and evaluates teaching and follow-up needs. During each appointment, the neuropsychologist administers a battery of tests to determine the effects of GSW on intelligence, language, spatial motor skills, academic achievement and adaptive behavior. Case reports are provided to illustrate the results, with nursing implications and future research in the area of outcome of GSW in children discussed.