It has become increasingly difficult for the single clinician to cover the whole area of traumatology and particularly neurotraumatology. This is now a science with various specialized fields of research. The results are published in different and special journals, proceedings and books often not easily available to those responsible for the daily practical management of the patients with head injuries. Epidemiological investigations are necessary to evaluate the severity and frequency of accidents and injuries. Such studies will stress the importance of analysis of the causes and also the importance of prevention. They are useful for evaluation of the effects of injuries despite management. Moreover, the researchers of the different aspects may need some knowledge of other links in the chain of events at and after an impact. This is particularly evident with respect to the problems of accident and injury, their prevention, reduction, management and the presentation of the most important clinical features in each case for international comparisons. Therefore it is appropriate to let the different specialists briefly discuss and present their aspects of the subject. Moreover, it may facilitate and stimulate the clinicians in studying special fields of interest. This was the intention behind the "Scandinavian Symposium on Neurotraumatology" held in May 1985 in Gothenburg: - To accumulate wider knowledge for the neurosurgeon and better understanding between the researchers in various fields to the benefit of the coming and present patients. Sten Lindgren Contents Lindgren, S.: Introduction.