This type of traumatic injury occurs when an object penetrates the skull and damages the brain. One part of the brain may be damaged. Damage can also occur to a larger area of the brain.
This is a serious, life-threatening injury. It requires emergency medical care.
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Penetrating brain injuries may be caused by any object or external force, such as:
Factors that increase your chance of a penetrating brain injury include:
A penetrating brain injury is very serious and can lead to death. Gunshot wounds to the head are often fatal. Symptoms vary depending on what caused the injury and how severe it is. They may include:
Because of the severity of this kind of injury, the doctor will evaluate the person as quickly as possible in the emergency room. This may include:
Depending on the person’s condition, the following tests may be done:
The treatment plan depends on a number of factors, including the:
The hospital staff will first attempt to stabilize life. If there is bleeding, steps will be taken to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. This may include emergency surgery. To help with breathing, a tube may be placed down the throat and into the lungs. Also, fluids and blood will be given to keep the blood pressure stable.
Depending on the injury, a neurosurgeon may need to:
The doctor may also place monitoring devices in the brain to check the:
Seizures may occur after a traumatic brain injury. Because of this, the doctor may give anti-seizure medications. Strong pain relievers, like opioids, may be given through an IV.
After the condition has improved, the doctors will create a rehabilitation program that may include working with:
The goal is to help the person regain as much functioning as possible.
Here are ways to prevent this type of trauma to your brain:
You can also prevent brain injuries by getting help if you are in a violent environment.
American Academy of Neurology
Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Canada
Ontario Brain Injury Association
Barth J, Hillary F. Closed and penetrating head injuries. Saint Joseph’s University website. Available at: http://schatz.sju.edu/neuro/patho/pathophysiology.html. Accessed May 13, 2016.
Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury. EBSCO DynaMedPlus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116529/Concussion-and-mild-traumatic-brain-injury. Updated March 31, 2016. Accessed May 13, 2016.
Cranial gunshot wounds. UCLA Health website. Available at: http://neurosurgery.ucla.edu/cranial-gunshot-wounds. Accessed May 13, 2016.
Glasgow coma scale. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill website. Available at: http://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/scales/glasgow.htm. Accessed May 13, 2016.
Gunshot wound head trauma. American Association of Neurological Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aans.org/en/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Gunshot%20Wound%20Head%20Trauma.aspx. Accessed May 13, 2016.
Moderate to severe traumatic brain injury. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T900588/Moderate-to-severe-traumatic-brain-injury. Updated May 16, 2016. Accessed September 30, 2016.
Traumatic brain injury & concussion. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/traumaticbraininjury. Updated February 9, 2016. Accessed May 13, 2016.
Last reviewed May 2016 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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