[Epidural hematoma before and following introduction of cerebral computer tomography]

An analysis of 120 extradural hematomas 7 years before and after introduction of computerized axial tomography (CT) showed that application of this new method resulted in considerable progress in diagnostic accuracy and a small saving of time. It was, however, prognostically decisive that the physician at the site of the accident or in the first-aid unit recognized the risk of imminent bleeding and immediately arranged for transport to the neurosurgical centre. The significance of the "typical" early symptoms of extradural hematomas was analysed. The importance of the exposed temporoparietal skull fracture, of careful neurological supervision and generous diagnostic use of the CT-scan is stressed.