IS THE SIZE OF AN EPIDURAL HEMATOMA RELATED TO OUTCOME

Recently we treated 54 patients with acute epidural haematoma, diagnos ed by early CT scan and operated on quickly, within 6 hours after trau ma. In 18 cases the volume of the haematoma, calculated by three diffe rent methods, was more than 150 cc, and GCS score was equal to or less than 8. In all 18 patients, as well as in another 36, we obtained goo d results: all patients survived and 17 fully recovered (only one was left with moderate neurological disability). Our experience leads us t o the conclusion that even volumes of over 150 cc can be compatible no t only with survival but also with very low morbidity, if rapid surgic al treatment is performed.