[Complex neurological investigations of space-occupying lesions in the spinal canal (author's transl)].

Problems of early diagnosis of space-occupying intraspinal lesions are discussed in relation to 335 patients on whom surgery had been carried out. Advances in neuroradiological methods are considered. The development of new contrast media has resulted in a reduction of the risk of invasive procedures and this should lead to diagnosis of space-occupying spinal lesions at a very early stage. It is now possible to diagnosis small tumours before they cause compression of the cord or of nerve roots.