A bullet penetrating the skull even from a distance of 3,000 yards may
act as an explosive, scattering the contents in all directions; but the
bullet from a revolver will usually be found in the cranium.
The prognosis depends partly on the extent of the injury and the parts
involved, but there is also risk from secondary haemorrhage, and from
such complications as pleurisy, pericarditis, and peritonitis. Death may
result from shock, haemorrhage, injury to brain or important nervous
structures.
XIV.--WOUNDS OF VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY
1. =Of the Head.=--Wounds of the scalp are likely to be followed by (1)
erysipelatous inflammation; (2) inflammation of the tendinous
structures, with or without suppuration. A severe blow on the vertex may
cause fracture of the base of the skull. Injuries of the brain include
concussion, compression, wounds, contusion, and inflammation. Concussion
is a common effect of blows or violent shocks, and the symptoms follow
immediately on the accident, death sometimes taking place without
reaction. Compression may be caused by depressed bone or effused blood
(rupture of middle meningeal artery) and serum.
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