An unusual missile-type head injury caused by a stone: case report and medicolegal perspectives.
Missile head injury is predominantly caused by firearms; however, small blunt objects such as a stone can be propelled into the air and cause a low-velocity-type missile injury, as described in this case report. Since the cerebral damage in low-velocity missile injuries is usually focal, there might not be disturbance of consciousness until secondary brain damage occurs; therefore, adequate medical supervision is necessary to prevent and treat potentially fatal complications in a timely manner. This is a rare case of a penetrating missile wound of the head, most likely caused by the use of a stone propelled by a slingshot that penetrated the skull and lacerated the brain with the stone embedded within the substance of the brain. The deceased died at home 2 days later from focal suppurative meningitis with cerebral abscess formation and a subdural hemorrhage.
Bhootra
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Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Southern Africa (Polokwane Campus), Polokwane, South Africa. drblkbhootra@yahoo.com
Bhana
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D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy; D020202:Cerebral Hemorrhage, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D006259:Craniocerebral Trauma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D044709:Forensic Ballistics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male