UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Post-gunshot health sequela

Category: Trauma

Keywords: Gunshot, ptsd, reinjury (PubMed Search)

Posted: 8/10/2025 by Robert Flint, MD (Updated: 12/5/2025)
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This paper outlines the long term effects of surviving a gunshot wound. The authors conclude:

“Firearm injury survivors frequently experience chronic pain, nerve injury, retained bullet fragments that may cause lead toxicity, physical limitations, and PTSD and are at risk for reinjury. In addition to supportive medical and psychiatric care, survivors of firearm injury may benefit from health care–based violence intervention programs.”

References

Strong BL, Lauerman MH, Scalea TM. Sequelae and Care After Firearm Injury. JAMA. Published online July 23, 2025. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.10498