Cerebral Microdialysis
Introduction Cerebral microdialysis (MD) is a well-established laboratory tool that is being increasingly used as a bedside monitor to provide online analysis of brain tissue biochemistry during neurointensive care. MD…
Brain Temperature
Introduction Mammals have evolved sophisticated thermoregulatory systems to maintain body temperature within an optimal range for cellular biochemical reactions. Under normal conditions, excluding hibernating mammals, core temperature is maintained around…
Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Introduction Frans Jöbsis first described the use of in vivo tissue near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in the human brain in 1977. The technique is based on the concept that light…
Intracranial Pressure
This chapter is dedicated to professor Douglas Miller for his personal influence on my understanding of brain injury and his genius in originating the concept of targeted therapy, the implications…
Xenon-Enhanced Computed Tomography
Introduction Xenon-enhanced computed tomography (Xe-CT) is a powerful physiologic imaging tool that provides a clinician with quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) data, allows the physiologic response to various interventions to…
Renal, Electrolyte, and Acid-Base Assessment
Introduction Between 25% and 75% of critically ill patients are affected by acute kidney injury (AKI), and AKI is an independent risk factor for mortality in critically ill patients, including…
Laser Doppler Flowmetry, Thermal Diffusion Flowmetry, and Orthogonal Polarizing Spectral Imaging
Introduction Brain functional and structural integrity depends on a constant supply of oxygen and glucose through cerebral blood flow (CBF) to the cerebral microcirculation. Accordingly, adequate function of the cerebral…
PET and SPECT
Introduction Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provide structural images of the brain. CT allows early diagnosis of surgically treatable intracranial space-occupying lesions in traumatic brain injury (TBI)…
Electroencephalography
Introduction The German psychiatrist Hans Berger made the first recording of the electric field of the human brain in 1924 in Jena. He gave this recording the name electroencephalogram (EEG)….
Computed Tomography
Introduction Computed tomography (CT)–based imaging technology continues to be the principal imaging modality in patients who require neurocritical care. CT imaging can monitor intracranial events, CT angiography (CTA) can demonstrate…
