[Extradural hematomas with delayed clinical manifestations].

Extradural haematomas are usually characterized by a rapidly progressing clinical course within several hours. However, an extradural haematoma may have a lucid interval lasting days or weeks. These haematomas are known as chronic or delayed extradural haematomas. Nevertheless, there is little agreement among authors as to when an extradural haematoma should be called chronic. From the practical standpoint they can be divided into a subacute (between the 3rd and 14th day) or a chronic (two weeks or more) group. The authors report a study of 39 extradural haematomas with delayed onset of clinical manifestations treated at the University Neurosurgical Department in Belgrade from 1976 to 1987.