CT in head trauma: a review.

The diagnosis and management of head trauma has changed significantly with the availability of computed tomography. CT not only demonstrates the presence of a mass, but also delineates acute bleed from brain swelling. CT is useful in determining whether the hematoma is intracerebral or extracerebral, as well as its volume, extent, and multiplicity. CT provides the opportunity for noninvasive sequential studies in the management of the patient with severe head trauma. Sequential CT studies have also been useful in understanding the long-term effects of head trauma. CT has eliminated the need for other diagnostic studies in all but the most exceptional situations.