ABSTRACT
Gun shot wounds of the head and face are not common in UK civilian practice but constitute part of the pattern of injury in 30% of all battle casualties. In the USA, they are far more frequent as outcomes of street violence. In the UK, their frequency is reportedly increasing. Deliberate self-harm and attempted suicide are common causes currently in the UK, and the most frequent choice of weapon is a shotgun. Handguns are less common, and high velocity weapons are almost never used in self-inflicted injuries.
