Penetrating Orbital and Intracranial Injury Due to a Ballpoint Pen: A Case Report

Penetrating head trauma represents a rare type of traumatic brain injury that is characterized by high mortality and morbidity. An orbitocranial penetrating injury presents with increased complexity due to its potential effects on structures of both the eye and brain, including the orbital apex, optic canal, and various lobes of the brain. This report considers the case of a 64-year-old male who suffered an injury caused by a ballpoint pen after an altercation. The injury was complicated by intracranial bleeding, seizures, and visual disturbances. Therefore, it required a multidisciplinary approach in ruling out potential severe complications of neurologic and visual character. The prompt evaluation and treatment helped address both immediate issues and the risks associated with possible development of long-term consequences such as visual impairments, paresis, and cognitive disorders. This case demonstrates the complexity of orbitocranial penetrating trauma and highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary collaboration and careful neuro-ophthalmologic assessment in optimizing patient outcomes.