title: Penetrating head wound: a remarkable case.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The modern management of penetrating head injuries is generally considered a neurosurgical specialty that relies heavily on the use of sequential imaging techniques, an ever-changing armamentarium of sophisticated antibiotics and specific neurosurgical operative skills. Unfortunately these optimal therapeutic components are frequently not available to patients injured in underdeveloped countries.
  
  
  METHODS
  An unusual case of a young patient suffering a penetrating brain wound and undergoing delayed treatment in an African mission hospital is reviewed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A functional but neurologically impaired outcome resulted from limited surgical debridement and short-term broad-spectrum antibiotic administration.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The multiple exigencies of surgical practice in an underdeveloped African nation do not preclude successful management of penetrating head trauma.
authors.affiliation: Evangel Hospital, Jos, Nigeria. bill.ardill@sim.org
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Ardill
authors.forename: Sanusi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gidado
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D002648:Child; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents