Citation

Kumar R, Kumar R, Mallory GW, Jacob JT, Daniels DJ, Wetjen NM, Foy AB, O'Neill BR, Clarke MJ. J. Neurosurg. Pediatr. 2015; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota;

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, American Association of Neurological Surgeons)

DOI

10.3171/2015.6.PEDS15148

PMID

26496633

Abstract

OBJECT Nonpowder guns, defined as spring- or gas-powered BB or pellet guns, can be dangerous weapons that are often marketed to children. In recent decades, advances in compressed-gas technology have led to a significant increase in the power and muzzle velocity of these weapons. The risk of intracranial injury in children due to nonpowder weapons is poorly documented.

METHODS A retrospective review was conducted at 3 institutions studying children 16 years or younger who had intracranial injuries secondary to nonpowder guns.

RESULTS The authors reviewed 14 cases of intracranial injury in children from 3 institutions. Eleven (79%) of the 14 children were injured by BB guns, while 3 (21%) were injured by pellet guns. In 10 (71%) children, the injury was accidental. There was 1 recognized assault, but there were no suicide attempts; in the remaining 3 patients, the intention was indeterminate. There were no mortalities among the patients in this series. Ten (71%) of the children required operative intervention, and 6 (43%) were left with permanent neurological injuries, including epilepsy, cognitive deficits, hydrocephalus, diplopia, visual field cut, and blindness.

CONCLUSIONS Nonpowder guns are weapons with the ability to penetrate a child's skull and brain. Awareness should be raised among parents, children, and policy makers as to the risk posed by these weapons.

Language: en