From 1974 to 1980, 4577 patients admitted to the surgical Dept of the Medizinische Akademie Magdeburg with head injuries were screened for being drunken. In the period concerned a significant increase of head injuries in combination with alcohol consumption could be demonstrated. Every surgical unit (outpatient, inpatient) taking care of those persons should be equipped with the devices for blood alcohol determination. In every case those patients suspected of being drunken should be kept under strict inhospital observance.