title: Neuropsychiatric changes following penetrating head injury in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Penetrating head injuries demand the prompt attention of a neurosurgeon. While most neurosurgical centers are experienced in the acute management of these injuries, less is known about the long-term neuropsychiatric sequelae of penetrating head trauma. In adults, direct injury to the frontal lobe classically has been associated with mental status changes. However, there is less published data in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who suffered a penetrating head injury to the frontal lobes secondary to a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and experienced subsequent resolution of pre-existing bipolar disorder and new onset of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Children with penetrating head injury require close multidisciplinary follow-up in order to monitor, and accordingly implement management strategies, for associated sequelae, including behavioral and neuropsychiatric changes.
authors.affiliation: Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W., Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8S 4K1, USA.
authors.forename: Jetan H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Badhiwala
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85006, USA.
authors.forename: Janet R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Blackham
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, Arizona 85006, USA.
authors.forename: Ratan D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Bhardwaj
keywords: Behavior; frontal lobe; neuropsychiatry; penetrating head injury; traumatic brain injury