[Chronic subdural hematoma with apoplectic form or other non-characteristic onset]

The medical records of all patients with the diagnosis subdural haematoma admitted to Gentofte county hospital during the period 1994-1998 were examined. In the five year period, 45 patients, (23 female and 22 male, mean age 74 years), were discharged from Gentofte county hospital, with the CT-verified diagnosis of subdural haematoma. The 45 patients were referred to hospital with the following diagnosis: Subdural haematoma, 19 pt's (42%): stroke/Transient ischaemic attack (TIA), 17 pt's (38%) and other, 9 pt's (20%). After clinical evaluation at the hospital the diagnoses were: Subdural haematoma 30 pt's (65%); stroke/TIA 9 pt's (20%) and other; 7 pt's (15%). In the group of 15 misdiagnosed patients, the correct diagnosis was established by CT-scan with a median delay of two days (range 0-49 days). Of the 15 patients, 14 were operated. One patient died, one had severe neurological defects. In conclusion, more than half of the patients with subdural haematoma were admitted with a diagnosis other than subdural haematoma, mainly stroke/TIA. In hospitals receiving patients with cerebral diseases or symptoms, in particular stroke, access to a CT-scan should be easy.