The treatment of acute head injuries has recently become of increasing importance, owing primarily to the increasing incidence of the disease and secondly to the prevalence of the postconcussion syndrome, particularly in cases in which the patient is seeking compensation.
Much has appeared in the literature on treatment, and in regard to most points the authors agree. Concerning rest, sedatives, the application of ice to the head and the restriction of fluid, there is little disagreement.
However, regarding the use of spinal puncture and the indications for surgical intervention, there have always been differences of opinion among neurosurgeons and confusion in the minds of the general surgeons, who see most of the patients with such injuries. There have always existed differences of opinion regarding the use of spinal puncture and surgical treatment in cases of head injury, but recently there has been more confusion by the appearance of articles of