Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
12:09
A Novel High-resolution In vivo Imaging Technique to Study the Dynamic Response of Intracranial Structures to Tumor Growth and Therapeutics
Published on: June 16, 2013
[Suicidal extraneurocranial shot into the mouth]
Kurt Trübner1, Volker Schmidt, Ursel Sannemüller
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin der Universität Essen.
Archiwum Medycyny Sadowej I Kryminologii
|April 28, 2011
Summary
A case report details a fatal self-inflicted gunshot wound to the mouth. The bullet
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Ballistics
- Toxicology
Background:
- This case report examines a unique fatal gunshot wound trajectory.
- Investigating the biomechanics of self-inflicted oral gunshot injuries is crucial for forensic analysis.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the mouth.
- The bullet's trajectory was extraneurocranial, severing the cervical spinal cord at C2/C3.
- Autopsy and scene investigation confirmed the injury pattern.
Findings:
- The cause of death was subtotal destruction of the cervical spinal cord (C2/C3).
- Ballistic analysis and crime scene reconstruction supported suicide.
- The extraneurocranial bullet path is a key feature.
Implications:
- Understanding unusual gunshot wound paths aids in distinguishing suicide from homicide.
- This case highlights the importance of meticulous forensic investigation in firearm fatalities.
- Such findings can inform future forensic pathology and criminalistics research.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:18Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
The enteral drug administration involves three primary routes: oral, sublingual, and buccal. Oral ingestion is the most prevalent, safe, economical, and convenient method for drug administration. However, it has certain drawbacks, including limited absorption due to the drug's low water solubility or poor membrane permeability, possible emesis from GI mucosa irritation, destruction of drugs by digestive enzymes or low gastric pH, and irregular absorption along with food or other drugs.
Drugs in...
Drugs in...
01:30Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is a complex and severe eating disorder characterized by a cyclical pattern of binge-and-purge eating pattern. It generally involves an episode of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive exercise, laxative use, or fasting, to prevent weight gain. Despite often maintaining a normal weight, individuals with bulimia are intensely preoccupied with their body image and harbor an overwhelming fear of gaining weight. This can contribute to the...
01:14Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction
Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...