Clinical evaluation of the action of dexamethasone.

The antioedematous action of dexamethasone was assessed in 28 patients with supratentorial and infratentorial intracranial tumours and craniocerebral trauma. The criteria of evaluation included the state of consciousness, signs of focal cerebral injury, autonomic disturbances and signs of raised intracranial pressure. The greatest improvement was obtained in patients having intracranial tumours with herniation of the brain stem. In cases of extensive craniocerebral trauma no evident improvement was achieved.