TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2016//
TI  - An unusual lethal gunshot wound to the head
JO  - Medico-legal journal, The
A1  - Shaqiri, Elmas
A1  - Xhemali, Bledar
A1  - Ismaili, Zija
A1  - Sinamati, Admir
A1  - Vyshka, Gentian
SP  - 51
EP  - 54
VL  - 85
IS  - 1
N2  - Atypical gunshot wounds present a challenge for the forensic expert, and sometimes differentiating these from a blunt trauma can be difficult. A careful crime scene investigation can be helpful in finding additional evidence and clarifying the nature of the injuries. We describe a case of an unusual craniocerebral injury that was initially interpreted as a blow from a wooden object. The appearance of the wound lacked the classical characteristics of entrance and exit bullet wounds, but the investigation showed it was due to the ricocheting of a destabilized bullet. Potentially lethal, craniocerebral gunshot injuries are a common occurrence in developing countries even in non-conflict areas, with very bad outcomes even when treated aggressively in specialized neurosurgical facilities. The authors briefly discuss similar cases and opinions in the relevant literature, emphasizing the importance of a rational approach during the reconstruction of the crime scene.<br><br>© The Author(s) 2016.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0025-8172
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0025817216678718
ID  - ref1
ER  -