[Results of monitoring intracranial pressure in patients with severe head injury].

Intracranial pressure (ICP) was monitored in 100 patients with severe head injury. In comparison to intraventricular pressure epidural measurement gives reliable values with less risk for the patients. There are no firm values for the onset and development of post traumatic brain oedema. In most cases clinical findings allowed no conclusions as to the height of ICP. On the other hand the effects of diuretic agents varied so much that exact oedema therapy is only possible after observation of the values of ICP monitoring. Combined use of ICP monitoring and high doses of dexamethasone reduced mortality significantly.