Executive dysfunction in a case of transoral-frontal self-inflicted gunshot injury

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.

• Penetrating head injury
• transoral
• gunshot wound
• executive dysfunction