A retrospective report (1970-1980) on patients (non-head injuries and head-injuries) admitted with cerebral ischaemia into the intensive therapy unit is presented. The principles of management to reduce and control intracranial pressure are outlined. Since 1978 continuous intravenous infusion with Althesin has been used instead of barbiturates in the regime. Mortality rate fell from 83.7 percent (1970-1977) to 43.7 percent (1978-1980) for non head injury patients and from 72.1 percent (1970-1977) to 45.6 percent (1978-1980) in the head injured group, the differences between the periods being statistically significant. The possible influencing factors are mentioned. The quality of salvage and survival requires investigation.