title: Self-Inflicted Hammer Blows to the Cranial Vault: An Interdisciplinary Challenge.
abstract: Depression is predicted to be the most common cause of disability in the coming decade. Self-inflicted hammer blow to the cranium is a rare phenomenon seen in patients with a history of attempted suicide. The resulting comminuted depressed skull fracture of the midline vertex is life threatening. Rapid interdisciplinary communication and intervention are essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. We present a case of self-inflicted hammer blows to the head, review the relevant literature on this topic, and discuss neurosurgical and psychiatric implications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Seong Woong
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedberg Hospital, Friedberg, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Putzke
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Eberhard
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Uhl
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
authors.forename: Kartik G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Krishnan
mesh_terms: D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000628:therapy*; D020204:Skull Fracture, Depressed / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013406:Suicide, Attempted