[Cerebral missile injuries in civilian practice (author's transl)].

Over a 10 year period we have treated 63 cases of cerebral gunshot injuries, most of them attempted suicides. Following the presentation of ballistic data, and the classification and pathophysiology of the clinical symptoms, early and late complications are reported in detail and recommendations for therapy given. The mortality rate of all admitted patients in our material was 60.9%; a direct relation between the severity of primary brain damage (recognizable in the degree of initial unconsciousness) and the chance of survival was found.