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Updated: Jul 14, 2026

Optic Nerve Transection: A Model of Adult Neuron Apoptosis in the Central Nervous System
Published on: May 12, 2011
Self-inflicted transorbital pontine stab injury with a retained pen
Pámela A Dávila Siliezar1, Walter R Duarte-Celada2, Victor Montalvan2
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of San Carlos de Guatemala, Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Abstract:
Self-inflicted transorbital stab injuries are not commonly seen in clinical practice. These lesions usually lead to major disability depending on the intracranial structures transected. We present a case of a 34-year-old man with a self-inflicted stab injury in his right orbit from a pen. Computed tomography revealed that the pen crossed intracranially from the orbit to the posterior fossa and pierced the pons. Such injuries are usually seen in the context of major psychiatric or drug abuse disorders. A multidisciplinary approach between ophthalmology and neurosurgery is essential in the management of these patients.

