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…
Evoked Potentials
Introduction Neuromonitoring can help determine the extent of neurologic injury, can detect secondary injury at a potentially reversible stage, can help assess the effect of clinical care on an individual…
Brain Death
Introduction Brain death is one of the most important diagnoses to be made in the neurocritical care unit (NCCU). The increasing ability to maintain the heart and other vital organs…
Volume Status and Cardiac Function
Introduction The injured brain is exquisitely sensitive to global changes in blood flow and oxygen delivery. Brain injury rarely occurs in the absence of systemic injury, either as a primary…
Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Disorders
Introduction Gastrointestinal (GI) issues and maladies and in particular GI bleeding, liver dysfunction, and pancreatitis can complicate the primary course of critically ill neurologic patients. In addition, patients with hepatic…
Ventilation and Pulmonary Function
Introduction Respiratory monitoring is an important aspect of managing patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), including those with neurologic problems. Obviously, detecting gas exchange abnormalities is essential to…
Endocrine Evaluation
Introduction The neuroendocrine system is important for body homeostasis but can undergo significant changes in response to critical illness. During the acute phase of critical illness or trauma, anabolic hormonal…
Biomarkers
Introduction Acute brain injuries triggered by head trauma, intracranial aneurysm rupture, cardiac arrest, and stroke among others are an enormous medical, social, and economic problem. Acute traumatic brain injury (TBI)…
