Gunshot wounds of the brain: Influence of ballistics and predictors of outcome by computed tomography

Gunshot wounds of the head commonly are encountered in the practice of emergency radiology. Radiologists play a vital role in the initial evaluation of patients who present after a gunshot injury and can guide the neurosurgeon's approach to surgery and the forensic pathologist's collection of evidence. It is useful to understand the ballistics that influence missile course and wound potential for accurate assessment of injury patterns that occur in gunshot wounds to the head. Additionally, it is imperative to recognize important prognostic findings on computed tomographic imaging to ensure optimal management of the patient.