[The value of teleradiology in the management of neuroradiologic emergencies].

First, to summarize the results of teleradiology programs on neurosurgical emergency care in France. Second, to compare French data with the international literature. Third, to discuss the likely developments and future of teleneuroradiology and teleneurosurgery. Data on French use of telemedicine applications in neuroradiology come from a survey of telemedicine applications in France, which has been conducted in year 2003 at the request of the French ministry of the Research. Teleradiology clearly has a positive impact on emergency neurosurgical care by reducing the time to correct diagnosis and initiation of treatment of patients who need to be transferred and avoid unnecessary transfers. However, present teleradiology applications have organizational limitations that are summarized and discussed with reference to the literature. Further developments in information and communications technology have the potential to revolutionise neurosurgical emergency care and contribute to improve the training of neuroradiology and neurosurgery staff.