[The early prognosis of massive infarcts of the cerebral cortex. Follow-up of 49 patients].

Abstract Mass cerebral infarction have a high lethality already in the first week after onset. Surviving patients often have severe residual neurological deficits. We analysed the clinical course of 49 patients with space-occupying cerebral infarctions in a retrospective study. We differ subtotal infarction in the region of middle cerebral artery (MCA) from complete infarction and from complete infarction in the region of MCA with additional infarction on the same hemisphere. The quick development from depression of consciousness, the Babinski-phenomena on both sides and the central failure of respiration were the most valuable clinical predictors. Together with the clinical parameters, the Mathew-score and the CT and EEG-results it is possible, to estimate a reliable prognosis. The reduction and termination of no longer useful treatments will be discussed.