Abstract
Objective: This study presents an in-depth neuropsychological study of the consequences of a survivable transoral penetrating gunshot injury resulting in lesions to frontal lobe structures.
Design: A case study of a woman who sustained a self-inflicted transoral gunshot injury that resulted in focal pathology to the frontal lobes.
Methods: Neuropsychological examination with a comprehensive battery of standard tests.
Results: Striking contrasts in performance were found on tests of executive function relating to planning and problem-solving ability, with marked impairment on a problem-solving task involving an action plan. Intact performance was seen on tests of memory.
Conclusions: This case study demonstrates that transoral gunshot injury to the brain is survivable, though selective executive dysfunction may remain.