An overview of chronic subdural hematoma: Experience with 2300 cases

BACKGROUND Over a period of 30 years since 1966, 2300 cases of chronic subdural hematoma have been seen and treated. DESCRIPTION A male preponderance among the cases was seen, in a ratio of 5:1. The condition presented with various manifestations. Nine hundred were seen in the pre-CT period (before 1980), compared to 1400 cases encountered after 1980. Since 1968, these cases have been managed by a small temporal craniotomy, with the dura left open and the subdural space communicating with the subtemporalis area. CONCLUSION This procedure has resulted in marked reduction of recurrence, and membranectomy has not been required. There have been 11 deaths in this group of patients; the mortality rate is only 0.5%. (C) 1997 by Elsevier Science Inc.