Computed tomography in acute head injuries.

Computed tomography (CT) is ideally suited for detection of intracranial pathology, whereas plain radiography is limited to the bony structures. Distinguishing surgical and nonsurgical lesions is quite feasible with CT. Follow-up examinations are non-traumatic and carry minimal risk to the critically ill patient. In the great majority of head trauma cases, the recognition of pathology is unequivocal, thus facilitating proper management.