ABSTRACT
In Glasgow one of the main ways in which the abuse of alcohol can become a problem for the general surgeon and neurosurgeon is through its apparent relationship with head injuries. Head injuries account for almost one third of acute male surgical admissions to the Western Infirmary, Glasgow. During a recent three month period at the Western Infirmary, head injuries accounted for 27 per cent of acute male surgical admissions, constituting by far the largest individual diagnostic group. The masking of a serious head injury by apparent alcoholic stupor remains a serious problem which must never be forgotten by doctors in contact with these patients.
