An abbreviated scoring system for PIVH was derived from Papile's one: completed by a 0 for normal pattern, abcd divisions of each cerebral hemisphere for localization of parenchymal haemorrhages, and scoring of each side separately. The scoring system was applied to a consecutive series of 323 PIVH (1981-1984). Unilateral haemorrhages (123) accounted for 38% of all PIVH; they were almost exclusively grade I and II, and more frequently left-sided: 90 left and 33 right H. Of 200 bilateral haemorrhages, 127 were of equal severity on both sides, but left H. were more severe than right ones in 46/73 asymmetrical bilateral H. The survival rate was 91% in overall grade I H., 84% in overall grade II H., with little difference between uni- and bilateral H., 43% in overall grade III H. (34% in bilateral grade III), 28% in overall grade IV H. (1/11 in bilateral grade IV H). The extent of parenchymal H. only bore a partial relationship to the severity of the associated SEH-IVH, only half of the parenchymal haemorrhages being associated with grade III IVH on the same side, and only half of the unilateral PH being associated with a more severe SEH-IVH on the same side. The various former scoring systems have been reviewed. The interest of assessing both cerebral hemispheres separately and of evaluating the extent and location of PH is stressed.