INTRODUCTION: Epidural haematomas are one of the most common complications of closed head injuries. Bilateral extradural haematomas are rare, usually acute, and generally associated with severe trauma and a high mortality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to present six cases of bilateral extradural haematomas seen at our service during the last 24 years and found an incidence of 2.5% of all cases of extradural haematomas surgically treated. RESULTS: There were 5 males and 1 female with a mean age of 32.6 years (range 16-55). In 3 cases haematoma was across the midline and in the other 3 cases haematomas was found at different locations on either side. Skull fracture was present in all cases. Surgical approach was the primary treatment in all cases. Mortality in our series was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral extradural haematomas is a rare condition and the prognosis is mainly dependent of the pre-operative neurological state.
INTRODUCTION: Epidural haematomas are one of the most common complications of closed head injuries. Bilateral extradural haematomas are rare, usually acute, and generally associated with severe trauma and a high mortality. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to present six cases of bilateral extradural haematomas seen at our service during the last 24 years and found an incidence of 2.5% of all cases of extradural haematomas surgically treated. RESULTS: There were 5 males and 1 female with a mean age of 32.6 years (range 16-55). In 3 cases haematoma was across the midline and in the other 3 cases haematomas was found at different locations on either side. Skull fracture was present in all cases. Surgical approach was the primary treatment in all cases. Mortality in our series was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral extradural haematomas is a rare condition and the prognosis is mainly dependent of the pre-operative neurological state.