Citation

Abarca-Olivas J, Concepción-Aramendía LA, Baño-Ruiz E, Caminero-Canas MA, Navarro-Moncho JA, Botella-Asunción C. Neurocirugia (Astur) 2011; 22(3): 271-275.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Sociedad Espanola de Neurocirugia, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/s1130-1473(11)70025-2

PMID

21743951

Abstract

A case of a perforating brain injury caused by a speargun in a suicide attempt is described. Although this kind of injuries has been previously reported, the present case is specially interesting because the patient showed no neurological deficit after surgery. Some advices about the medical and surgical management are proposed based on this case and our literature review. The use of antibiotics and antiepileptic drugs and the anterograde extraction of the harpoon aided by the performance of a craniotomy surrounding the exit point are recommended.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Adult; Male; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Suicide, Attempted; Craniotomy; Weapons; Debridement; Frontal Lobe; Anticonvulsants; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Head Injuries, Penetrating; Wounds, Penetrating; Skull Fractures; Tongue; Wound Infection; Bone Plates; Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic