The so-called “burst head” effect from a shotgun

The “burst head” effect from a shotgun refers to extreme cranial trauma caused by a close-range shotgun blast to the head. From a forensic science perspective, the high-energy discharge and pellet spread result in massive tissue disruption, skull fragmentation, and often complete loss of cranial contents. At contact or near-contact range, expanding gases enter the skull, rapidly increasing intracranial pressure and causing it to explode outward. This effect produces distinctive trauma patterns, including stellate wounds, soot deposition, and extensive blood spatter. Forensic examiners use these indicators to determine range of fire, weapon type, and reconstruct the shooting scenario.