title: Civilian cases of tangential gunshot wounds to the head.
abstract: A series of 168 civilian cases of tangential gunshot wounds to the head is presented. Neurologic deficits on presentation were generally minimal. Computed tomographic (CT) scans were performed in 51% of patients, and abnormal CT findings were noted in 35% (18% of all patients). Major operative procedures were required in 9% of the patients. Serious sequelae of tangential injuries are described even with patients who initially have no neurologic abnormality. We suggest that a CT scan is warranted in all cases of tangential gunshot wounds to the head.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neurosurgery, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Stone
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lichtor
authors.forename: L F
authors.initials: LF
authors.lastname: Fitzgerald
authors.forename: Y N
authors.initials: YN
authors.lastname: Gandhi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014193:Trauma Centers; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy