Gunshot Wound to Head

Abstract

Gunshot wounds to head have a great mortality and morbidity (1). Mortality rate of head traumas is 2 % and, 14 % of them includes gunshot wounds. Deaths related to gunshot wounds to head in U.S has an incidence of 2-4/100000 (1).

The factors effective on the morbidity and mortality of gunshot wounds are primary (mechanical), and preventable factors known as secondary effects. Circulation and respiration must be ensured rapidly in patients with gunshot wounds to head to prevent the secondary damages.

Main factor effective on the prognosis is the Glascow Coma Scale (GCS) measured after the traumatic incident. Patients with GCS of 13-15 have been reported to have no mortality. If computed tomograms of the patients with GCS of 13-15 reveal a pathology which requires emergency surgery, these patients should be operated immediately (2,3). To prevent the infection that might develop after the surgery, broad spectrum antibiotics have to be used together with antiepileptics as a prophylaxis against epilepsy for 6-12 months.