[Effects of computer tomography on diagnosis of neurological and neurosurgical diseases (author's transl)].

Computer tomography is presently the primary procedure for correct diagnosis of many neurological and neurosurgical diseases. Other expensive and riskier diagnostic methods have become superfluous. Selective and clearly indicated application of the undoubtedly expensive computer tomography ultimately spares unnecessary costs for hospitalization and less conclusive examination methods. Whereas the indications in the craniocerebral region can now be considered confirmed, spinal computer tomography is still in the development stage. With certain indications, eg in prolapsed lumbar intervertebral disk, a similar performance to that of CT can be obtained with myelography, so that the latter method is likely to be superseded by computer tomography.