Time-related severity scaling of head injuries--discussion on the AIS-severity code--early and late.

The deficiencies of the present severity scaling of head injuries involve the absence of factors such as age, impact site etc. Moreover there is a terrible lack of agreement and of possibilities of translation between the AIS and the coma scales, presently more wellknown among neurosurgeons. The importance of noting the time after trauma for AIS-codifying must also be stressed, as well as of the presence of intoxication. A modified AIS-scale (EIS) is suggested to facilitate comparison with coma scales such as GCS, as well with the diagnostic terminology suggested for ICD 10 later in this supplement. An attempt to use the EIS as a late scaling after the "transition period" of the second to fourth week after injury is also suggested as a basis for a prediction of late residual disabilities.