Epidural hematoma.

A report is given on 80 consecutive patients with epidural hematoma. The mortality was 16%. The rate of disability among the survivors was 20%. The classical clinical course with a lucid interval was seen in five patients only. The classical neurological signs of an epidural hematoma, contralateral hemiparesis, and ipsilateral third nerve palsy were seen in 15 patients, i.e., 19%. The main factors associated with increased mortality and morbidity were concomitant brain injury, rapid development of the hematoma and unconsciousness at the time of operation. In almost half of the fatal and disabled cases there was a delay in the diagnosis and operation. Consequently better results are possible with better organization of the supervision and treatment of brain injured patients.