Experience with chronic subdural haematomas in New South Wales

This study considered 135 cases of chronic subdural haematoma following head injury in 1977 and 1978. The majority were in the older age group and more often males. Falls were the commonest cause. Among intracranial haematomas they carry a much better prognosis. However, there was a mortality rate of 9% and delay in diagnosis was the most likely preventable factor contributing to this. Accordingly the possibility of this complication after head injury should be known to those concerned in the later hospital treatment and follow-up management especially of older patients and alcoholics. When the diagnosis has been made, the preferred surgical method of treatment is drainage through burrholes. Follow-up CT scanning should be arranged usually about 8 weeks afterwards unless there are clinical indications for an earlier examination.