[The lucid interval in epidural hematoma].

On the basis of 191 patients with epidural haematomas in an observation period of 15 years, an analysis of the patient group with non-classical symptoms was carried out. The opinions and theories regarding the generation of long-lasting lucid intervals found in the literature are mentioned and discussed on the basis of 3 typical examples. Owing to improved examination methods and early recognition, the mortality rate of the patients with epidural haematomas could be reduced from 54 per cent in the years 1961 to 1965 to about 10 per cent in the years 1975 to 1980.