Severe head injuries are a frequent occurrence in the life of every emergency care specialist, traumatologist, neurosurgeon, and rehabilitation specialist. For example, between 30,000 to 40,000 such injuries occur annually in Germany, while over 75,000 Americans die each year after suffering a severe head injury. Survival and long-term outcome depends to a great extent on timely and appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Thus, all physicians involved must be aware of the current management procedures, and this reference, – based on the experience of international experts – provides an up-to-date and practical guideline.