The authors have performed retrospective clinical study in the intracranial complications of chronic suppurative otitis media, on 13 patients with intracranial complication for the purpose of early diagnosis from January 1981 to June 1989. We conclude that the early diagnosis of intracranial complications of chronic suppurative otitis media depends on the otolaryngologist maintainings a high index of suspicion. CT scanning with infusion is the single most useful test in diagnosing intracranial compications, especially intracranial masses;extradural abscesses, subdural abscesses and brain abscesses. Lumbar puncture has an essential role in diagnosing meningitis in patients with meningeal irritative signs and symptoms, but its risks in the presence of raised intracranial pressure must be recognized. The venous phase of cerebral angiography can be useful in detecting a lateral sinus thrombophlebitis that may be unrecognized by CT scanning.