Citation

Balasubramanian C, Kaliaperumal C, Jadun CK, Dias PS. Surg. Neurol. 2009; 71(2): 238-240.

Affiliation

Neurosurgery, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK, North Staffordshire University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 7LN, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.surneu.2007.07.050

PMID

18291474

Abstract

BACKGROUND: A transorbital intracranial injury with a wooden foreign body can be very difficult to diagnose and manage. The orbit forms an easy path for low-velocity foreign bodies into the intracranial space. The severity of the injury is often masked by unobtrusive superficial wounds. Computed tomography (CT) findings may be misinterpreted as pneumocephalus. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a young gentleman who had a fall under the influence of alcohol near a bush and, on clinical presentation, had very little signs of a penetrating injury in the skin. There was some numbness in the V1 distribution of the trigeminal nerve. Further investigation and management are described. CONCLUSION: Although magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive and specific, a CT angiogram with 3-dimensional reconstruction will provide much insight into the mode of intervention required. We present an anatomical classification for such injuries.

Language: en