Penetrating intracranial injury due to crochet needle.

Penetrating head injury is uncommon and is always a curiosity in terms of the mechanism involved. The complete extent of the damage can only be known with CT scan of the brain, which at times may be difficult to get, due to the large size of the foreign body. The management of such patients is always a challenge and requires innovative planning. A case of crochet needle injury is described in which the needle entered through the mouth and passed through the jugular foramen into the cerebellum. This patient, fortunately, escaped without any neurological deficit and complications. The principles of management are highlighted. Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.