Local cerebral glucose utilization (LCGU) was studied using the 14C-deoxyglucose method in rats with focal thermally induced lesions in the left parietal cortex. A depression of LCGU developed with time after production of the lesion, being most prominent throughout the cortical areas of the lesioned hemisphere: 42 +/- 2% (SE) of normal 3 days after the lesion was induced. Corresponding results in other regions were: contralateral cortical areas, 86 +/- 2%; ipsilateral and contralateral subcortical structures, 74 +/- 2% and 84 +/- 1%, respectively. Brainstem structures were not affected. In white matter, bilateral depression of LCGU reached its peak 24 hours after production of the lesion--the reduction ipsilateral to the lesion was 61 +/- 4% of normal and the contralateral reduction was 64 +/- 4%. LCGU returned to normal within 5 days in all affected areas. No corresponding changes in local cerebral blood flow were observed. These results suggest a widespread depression in the functional state of traumatized brain.