In every patient hospitalized with traumatic coma, a CAT [computerized axial tomography] scan was performed immediately (less than 6 h after the accident). As a routine procedure another scan was performed 48 h later; further scans were done depending upon clinical conditions and ICP [intracranial pressure]. The patients were operated on or given medical treatment based on the CAT scan analysis only. Brainstem lesions were not seen on the 1st-day CAT scan images. The CAT scan performed on the 2nd day showed stabilization or an expansion of the previous lesions hemorrhage or edema. Any change in the patients'' conditions or in the ICR monitoring led to a new CAT scan, revealing epidural or subdural hematomas, hydrocephalus, subdural hygroma or persistent edema. The CAT scanner used by a neurosurgical team must be able available for use on a 24-h basis.