Stun Gun Injury: A New Presentation of the Battered Child Syndrome

Abstract

Stun guns are self-protection devices that are increasingly available with few restrictions on their use and sale. We present a case of child abuse with a stun gun. The signs of such abuse are often subtle, and they may be underrecognized currently. The skin lesions that are often seen are hypopigmented circular macules, measuring approximately 0.5 cm in diameter. They may be raised slightly and erythematous if inflicted recently. Most characteristic of stun gun assault is pairing of lesions approximately 5 cm apart. We discuss the design, operation, and effects of stun guns, and give an extensive differential of abusive and nonabusive circular lesions.