[Head injuries].

Severe head injury is a common finding in patients with multiple injuries. Exclusion of intracranial haematoma and the need for neurosurgical intervention is based on clinical findings and CT scans. In other respects, patients with severe head injuries should be treated with sedation and moderate hyperventilation (PaCO2 3.5-4.5 kPa). Clinical evaluation is difficult. Indication for administration of osmotic dehydrating agents or barbiturates is based on clinical findings and repeated CT scans. Further valuable information in the handling of the individual patient can be obtained by continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure, recording of evoked responses or transcranial Doppler ultrasound recordings.