J Korean Neurosurg Soc.  1978 Dec;7(2):411-416.

A Study on the Mortality Factors of Extradural Hematoma

• Kay CS
• Chee SH

Abstract

Of all the potentially lethal complications of the head injury, extradural hemorrhage is the most readily diagnosed and remediable, yet the mortality rate remains distressingly high. The authors report on 58 consecutive patients with extradural hematoma. The mortality was 31%. The classical clinical course with a lucidal interval was seen in three patients only. The classical neurological signs of an extradural hematoma, contralateral hemiparesis, and ipsilateral third nerve palsy were seen in 9 patients(15.5%). The main factors associated with increased mortality were concomitant brain injury, rapid development of the hematoma and unconsciousness at the time of operation. In almost half of the fatal cases, there was a delay in the diagnosis and operation. Consequently better results are possible with better organization of the supervision and treatment of brain injured patients.

MeSH Terms

Brain
Brain Injuries
Craniocerebral Trauma
Diagnosis
Hematoma*
Hemorrhage
Humans
Mortality*
Oculomotor Nerve Diseases
Organization and Administration
Paresis
Unconsciousness