Open AccessSelf-Inflicted Hammer Blows to the Cranial Vault: An Interdisciplinary Challenge
Author(s) -
Seong Woong Kim,
Michael Putzke,
Eberhard Uhl,
Kartik G. Krishnan
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
primary care companion to cns disorders/the primary care companion for cns disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.328
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 2155-7772
pISSN - 2155-7780
DOI - 10.4088/pcc.15br01927
Subject(s) - cranial vault , hammer , intervention (counseling) , depression (economics) , skull , phenomenon , head trauma , medicine , surgery , psychology , forensic engineering , psychiatry , engineering , philosophy , mechanical engineering , epistemology , economics , macroeconomics
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.