Description
A stab wound to the scalp. These wounds can damage structures deep to the skin such as the skull, or brain. The object that caused the wound can carry bacteria or foreign material deep into the wound and cause infections. Puncture wounds from animal or human bites are especially prone to infections.
Symptoms
Pain, bleeding, numbness, weakness, redness, increased warmth of the scalp, facial swelling.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan may be done to rule out injuries to the skull, or brain.
Tests:
CT Scan
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A CT scan may be done to rule out injuries to the skull, or brain.
Tests:
CT Scan
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the structures injured. If a sharp object is still lodged in the head after a puncture injury, do not remove it. If the tip of the object has penetrated the skull, the object is most safely removed by a brain surgeon (neurosurgeon) with very close care to avoid injury of the brain during the process. The wound will be cleaned. Antibiotics may be started, especially if the puncture is from a human or animal bite. If the puncture penetrates through the skull surgery may be required. A tetanus shot may be needed if the last shot was more than 5 years for a dirty wound or more than 10 years for a clean wound.