A transnasal intracranial stab wound by a plastic-covered umbrella tip

Abstract

A 48-year-old man died from a transnasal intracranial stab wound caused by an umbrella. The track of the stab passed from the right nostril, through the sphenoid sinus, the left side of the sella turcica and anterior clinoid process, and finally reached the surface of the brain. The stab wound crossed the left internal carotid artery, causing an exsanguination and aspiration of blood into the airway, resulting in death. It is extremely rare that an umbrella tip used during a struggle would stab the nostril of the victim. Transnasal intracranial stab wounds can be overlooked and require sensitive handling.