Traumatic extradural haematoma (EDH) complicates 1-4% of all head injuries
and is a major factor contributing to morbidity and mortality. Clinical awa
reness and early diagnosis are the keys to successful management. With the
advent of computerised tomographic (CT) scanning a trend towards 'zero mort
ality' has been reported. We report four adolescent cases presenting with m
ild head injury (Glascow Coma Score 13-15) who subsequently died as a resul
t of EDH. We suggest that excessive delay both in recognising the condition
and the subsequent referral and transfer are factors contributing to the m
ortality of these patients.