[Outcome after craniocerebral gunshot injury]

Gunshot wounds to the head have a high morbidity and mortality [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. In our areas this kind of injury is rarely seen, being mostly due to attempted suicide [6]. To help determine the optimal management of patients with penetrating GSW to the head, retrospective experience with 47 patients from 1986 to 1993 is presented. Due to our experiences we provide the following treatment of patients with craniocerebral gunshot wounds: After a short neurological examination and the stabilization of the vital parameters, we do further examination with skull X-ray and a CT. With these informations we decide about the further treatment: We operate patients with stable vital signs, with GCS higher than 3, as long the ventricular system is not involved. 18 patients survived the injury. The currently living 16 patients were examined and checked concerning outcome after GSW to the head. 11 of 16 patients had a GOS 4 or 5. The remaining 5 patients are dependent on permanent help.