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…
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…
