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    South Med J. 2007 Jun;100(6):608-10.

    Multiple self-inflicted nail gun head injury.

    Testerman GM, Dacks LM.

    Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center Trauma Center, Department of Surgery, East Tennessee State University College of Medicine, Kingsport, TN 37660, USA. gmt0@charter.net

    Penetrating brain injury resulting from nail-gun use is a well-characterized entity, one that is increasing in frequency as nail guns become more powerful and more readily available to the public. We present a case and offer management strategies for a 50-year-old male with two intracranial penetrating nail gun injuries. Nail gun brain injuries are commonly intentionally self-inflicted. Suicide should be considered when straight nails cause wounds to the chest, head, or abdomen. The primary preoperative concern is formation of a traumatic pseudoaneurism, which prompts both preoperative and follow-up cerebral angiography. Surgery for combined intracranial and extracranial injury may require the collaborative expertise of colleagues from the fields of ophthalmology, otolaryngology, and oral maxillofacial surgery. A rational management strategy should permit these patients to be discharged with no additional injury.

    PMID: 17591316 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

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