Epidural hematomas of the posterior cranial fossa.

OBJECT

The authors present their experience in the management of posterior fossa epidural hematoma (PFEDH), which involved an aggressive diagnostic approach with the extensive use of head computerized tomography (CT) scanning.

METHODS

The authors treated 43 cases of PFEDH in one of the largest health centers in Brazil. Diagnosis was established in all patients with the aid of CT scanning because the clinical manifestations were frequently nonspecific. Cases were stratified by clinical course, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and their radiological status. Based on clinical and radiological parameters the patients underwent surgical or conservative management.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with outcomes reported in the available literature, good outcome was found in this series. This is primarily due to the broad use of CT scanning for diagnostic and observational purposes, which, in the authors' opinion, led to early diagnosis and prompt treatment.