Extradural haematoma - A preventable cause of death

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.