Ten self-inflicted intracranial penetrating nail gun injuries

Abstract

Penetrating craniocerebral injuries from nail gun use are rare. We describe a case of 10 self-inflicted nail gun injuries with intracranial penetrations. We also review the literature and discuss management strategies of such craniocerebral trauma. A 33-year-old male with a long-standing history of severe depression took a nail gun and sustained 10 penetrating intracranial injuries. Initial neuroimaging revealed 10 penetrating nails, all sparing the major cerebral vasculature. Immediate surgical removal was undertaken in the surgical suite using a combination of craniotomies, craniectomies, and blind removal. Intracranial injuries from self-inflicted nail gun misuse is becoming increasingly more frequent. Initial appropriate clinical decision-making are critical in preventing further cortical or vascular damage.

Figure 1

Plain posterior-anterior skull x-ray demonstrating the foreign bodies.

Figure 2

Plain CT demonstrating the intracranial nails with 3D reconstruction.

Figure 3

Intraoperative image demonstrating the penetrating foreign bodies.

Figure 4

Intraoperative image of foreign bodies.