doi: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2018.04.011
“Bullet in the Brain” Analysis. The noticable nonchalant attitude he had towards the bank robbery was an interesting aspect of the story and preludes his rebellious attitude towards the bank robbers. With these initial reactions to the bank robbery, you can begin to see the peculiarness of this character.
PMID: 30181800
Dear editor,
In some communities, the using of firearms during the celebrations have become a traditional behaviour. Injuries with free falling bullets that named “tired bullet” are increasing in accordance with the increased uncontrolled using of firearms. In the literature, serious disabilities and even deaths have been reported as a result of this rare injuries. We present a patient injured due to tired bullet with foot weakness and headache.
CASE
A fifteen-year-old male patient with complaints of headache and left foot weakness was brought to emergency room. During the examination, his measured blood pressure was 100/60 mmHg, heart rate 75 per minute, and oxygen saturation 99%. The patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale was evaluated as 15 points. The patient devoloped a headache after an object hitting to his head, while walking on the sidewalk about six hours before emegency room admission. After 1 hour of injury the patient developed numbness and loss of power in left foot which was gradually increasing.
During the examination of head, there was a hyperemic lesion of 0.5 centimeters diameter in a circular view with irregular edge, near the right parieto-occipital suture and at a distance of approximately 1 centimeters of the sagittal suture. There was no burning, blacking and tattooing around the wound. External examination of the whole body showed no signs of another injury. All of the systemic examination was normal but weaknesses of the left knee and ankle flexion and toe dorsiflexion without sensory loss were only positive signs in the neurological examination. The power of left ankle dorsiflexion and left toe was grade 1/5 and positive Babinski’s sign, hyper-reflexia in left deep tendon reflex were noted. Additionally peripheral pulses were detectable. In computerized tomography (CT) imaging of the patient, there was a intact bullet in the same area with skin lesion that penetrated brain parenchyma and caused a minimal contusion just under the bone (Figure 1).
The computerized tomography (CT) imaging of patient. There was a intact bullet in the same area with skin lesion that penetrated brain parenchyma and caused a minimal contusion just under the bone.
Blood samples were taken for hemogram, biochemistry, coagulation parameters, and blood type analyzes. Tetanus prophylaxis, antibiotherapy and fluid resuscitation were applied and a consultation was requested from a brain surgeon. Finally the patient was admitted to the neurosurgery clinic. The value of Glasgow Coma Scale was not changed during emergency room management. After two weeks of surgery, we did a telephone interview with the patient, he complained of left leg numbness and partial dorsiflexion limitation.
DISCUSSION
Along with an increase in individual armament, uncontrolled using of firearms in social events such as newyear, childbirth, victory and wedding party, has become a progressive and important public threat.[1] In stray shooting to air, the bullet loses its energy and makes free falling motion, injuries related to this movement of the bullet are rare and referred to as tired bullet or falling bullet injuries.[] In the literature, there are several case reports of chest, heart and limb injuries due to tired bullets, but the number of reports related to head injuries are limited.[–] However, Ordog and colleagues investigated 118 patients that had tired bullet injuries. In this study, they found head (77%–36%) and shoulder (12%–18%) were the most affected areas. In addition, mortality rate was reported as 32%.[] In an experimental study made by Öğünç et al[] gunshots made from different angles with different diameters of bullets, and possibility of injuries due to free falling bullets were investigated. They found total kinetic energy values of bullets that 9×19 mm and 7.65×17 mm in diameter, could penetrate skin and flat bones. In addition, they found 65 falling tired bullet injury cases between 2000 and 2012 years in Turkey, 27 of these patients died and the mortality rate was calculated as 41.5% in such injuries. In accordance with the results of these studies, we determined an intact bullet that penetrated to brain parenchyma just under the right parietal bone of the head. In a study by Özdemir and colleagues, a 8-year-old female patient who had a frontal head gunshot wound during a wedding party was investigated. In this report, the tired bullet movement along with the brain and spinal canal was investigated. Unlike to our study, entrance of bullet was frontal region of the head and the path that the bullet travels was quite long.[] In our study, bullet had entered the top of head at an angle of 90 degrees, and stopped just after passing through the parietal bone by losing its energy. It caused a mild contusion in the brain parenchyma. The extent of trauma in this type of injury depends on the type, kinetic energy and mass of bullets and the location of the injury area.[]
Most prominent complaint of the patient was left foot numbness and weakness in our study, and power of left toe was grade 1/5 in neurological examination. Acute foot drop is a result of anterior tibialis muscle weakness and usually caused by peripheral nerve lesions and lumbar disc herniations.[] Primary brain tumors and masses which are commonly at parasagittal location and affecting the pyramidal tract may result in foot drop.[] In the literature, there are many case reports about foot drop that develops in relation with some lesions such as parasagittal located brain abscess, and meningioma.[,] And also there are many reports of foot drop that develops with trauma. In a study by Kang and colleagues,[14] they reported a 49-year-old male patient with head trauma due to falling from height and foot drop presented. Like to our study, neurological examination of patient was normal except for foot drop in this study. In the CT imaging of the patient, there was a sagittal suture fracture and hemorrhagic contusion in the left premotor area. In an another study by Atac and colleagues,[] a 21-year-old male patient was presented. There was a superficial firearm injury at right parasagittal area of the head and the left foot dorsiflexion limitation was developed nearly 24 hours after the event. In the CT imaging of the head, there was a hemorrhagic contusion in parasagital area of the right parietal lobe. Similarly to these reports, there was a bullet injury and minimal contusion in right parasagital area of the brain in our study. Left foot drop was developed depending on these lesions.
CONCLUSION
To prevent this type of injuries, which may cause morbidity and mortality, individual arming and uncontrolled use of firearms should be limited. Additionally, in the cases of acute foot drop, falling tired bullet injuries should be kept in mind, because the possibility of injury around the parasagittal area is quite high in such injuries.
Footnotes
Funding: None.
Ethical approval: Not needed.
Conflicts of interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest relevant to the content of the article.
Contributors: EK proposed the study and wrote the first draft. All authors read and approved the final version of the paper.
References
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Articles from World Journal of Emergency Medicine are provided here courtesy of The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine
Bullet Brain | |
---|---|
Genre | Period drama Fantasy |
Written by | Ip Kwong-yam |
Starring | Wayne Lai Natalie Tong Ngo Ka-nin Edwin Siu Sire Ma |
Opening theme | '我的歷史' (My History) by Edwin Siu |
Country of origin | Hong Kong |
Original language(s) | Cantonese |
No. of episodes | 25 |
Production | |
Executive producer(s) | Lee Tim-sing |
Production company(s) | TVB |
Release | |
Original network | Jade, HD Jade |
Original release | 8 April – 10 May 2013 |
Bullet Brain | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Traditional Chinese | 神探高倫布 | ||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 神探高伦布 | ||||||||
Literal meaning | 'Great Detective Columbo' | ||||||||
|
Bullet Brain (Chinese: 神探高倫布; literally 'Great Detective Columbo') is a Hong Kong period fantasytelevision drama produced by TVB, starring Wayne Lai and Natalie Tong, with Lee Tim-sing serving as executive producer and Ip Kwong-yam serving as executive screenwriter. Produced at 25 episodes, the serial premiered on TVB Jade on 8 April 2013. It is set in British Hong Kong during the 1960s.
- 3Reception
- 4Viewership ratings
Production and casting[edit]
With the working title of Detective Columbo, the sales presentation trailer of Bullet Brain was first revealed at TVB's Programme Presentation 2012 in November 2011. The trailer, which starred Wayne Lai, Louise Lee, Tavia Yeung, and Evergreen Mak, was the second to the last trailer to air at the event. In December 2011, Lee announced that Bullet Brain is slated to begin filming in May 2012, but remained tight-lipped on the other details of the production.[1] However, due to the studio's decrease in staff capacity, Lee lost many of his creative directors and scriptwriters, which will affect the pace of production.[1] He further added that the cast seen in Bullet Brain's presentation trailer are not confirmed to star, with the exception of Wayne Lai.
In March 2012, it was revealed that Niki Chow was in negotiations for a leading role.[2]Chrissie Chau and Elanne Kwong were also considered.[3][4] The role was ultimately given to Natalie Tong.[5]
TVB hired executive scriptwriter Ip Kwong-yam to return to write for the drama, whose last production with TVB was the 1996 fantasy drama Journey to the West, also produced by Lee.[6]
A costume press conference attended by the main cast was held on 2 May 2012. Shooting officially commenced on 10 May 2012 in Hong Kong. A blessing ceremony was held on 7 June 2012, and filming officially ended on 15 August 2012.
Cast[edit]
- Wayne Lai as Ko Tai-hei (高大喜) / Probationary Inspector Columbo Ko (高倫布), PI6092:
The serial's main character, a brilliant but cold-blooded detective from the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF). Born Ko Tai-hei, Columbo was originally an innocent and simple-minded peasant boy from the outskirts of mainland China. Under the recommendation of Louis Kim, the Secretary for Security, Tai-hei is recruited to the Hong Kong Police Force to become a police constable. After recovering from a head injury, Tai-hei's temperament suffers a dramatic change — his IQ rises from 100 to 283, and his emotional capacity is almost entirely destroyed.
Lai was the first of the cast to be confirmed in December 2011.[1] Lai also filmed for the drama's sales presentation trailer, which was revealed at TVB's Programme Presentation 2012 in November 2011. The character is loosely inspired by Columbo from the self-titled American crime fiction series.[7]
- Natalie Tong as Mui Mui (梅妹) and Szeto Nam (司徒男):[8]
Mui Mui is Tai-hei's first love, a materialistic peasant girl who leaves the countryside to marry a wealthy heir in the city. Her husband turns out to be abusive and locks her in a well for three years, leading Mui Mui to develop a psychological disorder. She manages to escape and encounters Tai-hei, now known as the legendary Columbo. She immediately regrets her initial decision in leaving him twenty years ago and attempts to win his heart back. Szeto Nam is Mui Mui's 17-year-old daughter, who works as a courtesan.
Tong was the second of the cast to be confirmed in February 2012.[7] Originally signed to play a supporting role, Lee changed Tong's role to a leading character when other actresses could not sign for the part.[5]
- Ngo Ka-nin as Sergeant Pau Ping-on (包平安), SGT5641:[8]
A HKPF detective sergeant. Concerning and loyal, the British-born Ping-on was Tai-hei's best friend. Ping-on was the reason why Tai-hei injured his head and became Columbo, an incident that Ping-on never forgave himself for. When Ping-on tries to bring back the old Tai-hei, another accident happens.
Ngo's addition to the cast was revealed on 29 March 2012.[9]
- Edwin Siu as Choi Fei-lung (蔡飛龍), PC9527:[8]
A HKPF police constable, and Eva's direct subordinate. Talented, intelligent, and shrewd, Fei-lung graduated at the top his class and is the subject of envy among his peers. He was originally chosen by the Secretary to aid Eva in her mission to investigate Columbo, but is later ordered by the Superintendent to spy on both Columbo and Eva.
It was reported that Siu was cast in March 2012. In 2008, Siu was in final negotiations to film Lee's award-winning drama Rosy Business, but had to withdraw because he was unable to shave his head, which was required for his role in Rosy Business. Siu reportedly rejected a high-paying production in order to accommodate his schedule to film Bullet Brain.[10]
- Sire Ma as Inspector Eva Kim (金伊娃), WIP9528:[8]
A HKPF detective inspector. Eva is the daughter of Louis Kim, the Secretary for Security, and was trained at the New Scotland Yard. She is ordered by her father and the Internal Affairs to investigate Columbo, but finds herself falling hopelessly in love with Columbo's manipulative charms.
Ma was the fourth of the cast to be confirmed on 16 March 2012.[5]
- Brian Burrell as Superintendent Edward Scott (史葛):
The HKPF Superintendent of Police who was once the headmaster of the Hong Kong Police Cadet School. Cunning and thirsty for power, Scott's goals are clear and he plans to overthrow Louis as the Head of Security. Scott was never fond of Columbo, as he sees him as an obstacle in achieving his goal. Determined to get rid of both Louis and Columbo, Scott orders Fei-lung to spy on Columbo and Eva.
- Joe Junior as Secretary for Security, Louis Kim (金路易):
The Secretary for Security. Louis was a friend of Tai-hei's father Ngau, whom he met in the concentration camps during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. After Ngau's death, Louis recruits his son, the childlike Tai-hei, into the Hong Kong Police Force as a gesture of gratitude. After Tai-hei is shot in the head and becomes the ruthless Columbo, Louis begins to fear Columbo and his power. Deemed to be dangerous, he sends his adopted daughter, Eva, to investigate Columbo and hand-picks Fei-lung to aid her in the investigation.
- Lau Dan as Choi Tin (蔡田):
The father of Fei-lung and a retired police officer. Tin practiced blackmailing during his career with the police force, which indirectly led to the death of his wife. Fei-lung never forgave Tin for this.
- Corinna Chamberlain as Joanna Rose: Ping-on's wife.
- Devily Leung as Pun Shuk-han (潘淑嫻): Fei-lung's eventual love interest.
Reception[edit]
Ratings[edit]
The premiere episode received an average rating of 28 points, at approximately 1.79 million live viewers in Hong Kong.[11]
Viewership ratings[edit]
Week | Episodes | Date | Average Points | Peaking Points |
1 | 01-05 | April 8–12, 2013 | 26 | 28 |
2 | 06-10 | April 15–19, 2013 | 26 | |
3 | 11-15 | April 22–26, 2013 | 23 | |
4 | 16-20 | April 29 - May 3, 2013 | 22 | |
5 | 21-25 | May 6–10, 2013 | 24 | 28 |
Critical response[edit]
Bullet Brain received mostly negative reviews. On Douban, the drama received a rating of 3.9 out of 10 based on over 1000 votes.[12]Mingpao reported that many viewers found the excessive story-telling of Bullet Brain 'too drawn out and boring.'[11] As of May 2013, Bullet Brain is TVB's lowest-rated serial drama of the year, raking in only an average of 1.55 million viewers.
Lee Tim-sing responded that although the Chinese title 神探高倫布( literally 'Great Detective Columbo' ) is a knockoff of the true mystery crime series Columbo, audience should not preconceive the show as a mystery series. He said that Bullet Brain is a drama centered around Ko Tai-hei, Mui Mui, Eva Kim and Pau Ping-on, in which the theme is focused on human nature and love.[13]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ abc'TVB's Staffing Capacity In Dire Straits; Lee Tim Shing Has No Lead Actress For Detective Columbus'. Jaynestars (in Chinese). 2011-12-22. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
- ^'TVB lacks actresses, Niki Chow may sign a full contract'. HK Headline (in Chinese). 2012-03-01. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
- ^'IHKTV Official Weibo'. IHKTV via Weibo (in Chinese). 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2012-03-15.
- ^'Hard to find female lead for Lee Tim-shing's new drama, Natalie Tong rises to the top'. Ming Pao Weekly (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 2013-01-28. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
- ^ abc'IHKTV Official Weibo'. Mingpao via IHKTV Weibo (in Chinese). 2012-03-16. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
- ^'IHKTV Official Weibo'. IHKTV via Weibo (in Chinese). 2012-03-17. Retrieved 2012-03-17.
- ^ ab'Lee Tim-shing's last production 'Detective Columbo' with no female lead, calls for help'. HK Headline (in Chinese). 2012-02-29. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
- ^ abcd'Cast'. TVB.com via TinyPic (in Chinese). Retrieved 2012-05-02.
- ^'Sire Ma beats out Mandy Wong for Lee Tim-shing's last work before retirement'. 3weekly (in Chinese). 2012-03-29. Retrieved 2012-03-31.
- ^'Edwin Siu confirmed for Lee Tim-shing's Detective Columbo'. IHKTV (in Chinese). 2012-03-11. Archived from the original on 2012-09-19. Retrieved 2012-03-11.
- ^ ab'Bullet Brain travels through time'. Mingpao via MSN (in Chinese). 10 April 2013. Retrieved 11 April 2013.[permanent dead link]
- ^'Bullet Brain at Douban'. Douban (in Chinese). Retrieved 11 April 2013.
- ^陈瑜钰 (2013-04-22). '《神探高倫布》查探腦中奧秘'. TVB zone(第826期). Retrieved 2013-05-03.
External links[edit]
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