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)…
Monitoring Inflammation
Introduction The basic tenet of neurocritical care is prevention of secondary injury. Secondary injuries following the initial ictus include global increases in intracranial pressure (ICP), alterations in cerebral perfusion, hydrocephalus,…
Hematology and Coagulation
Introduction Bleeding and thrombosis are common complications in the intensive care unit (ICU); their impact on neurologically ill patients is of particular concern because these complications may result in permanent…
Glucose and Nutrition
Introduction Hyperglycemia is common in acutely ill patients. In the past, stress hyperglycemia was considered to be a beneficial adaptive response. However, prospective observational and clinical trial data show a…
Principles of Cerebral Metabolism and Blood Flow
Introduction The brain’s survival and function depend on its ability to maintain a constant supply of oxygen and energy-rich substrate. To accomplish this feat the complex architecture of the brain…
Designing the Neurocritical Care Unit for Better Patient Care
Introduction There is growing evidence that the physical design of clinical spaces affects the quality, efficiency, and experience of care in intensive care units (ICUs) and other settings. These effects…
Nursing and Education
Introduction Nurses and physicians come from two distinctly different programs. In the neurocritical care unit (NCCU) they work side by side but may not have been provided with the opportunity…
Informatics Infrastructure for the Neurocritical Care Unit
Introduction S.P. is a 60-year-old female with a history of hypertension who presented comatose with a left thalamic intracerebral hemorrhage associated with intraventricular hemorrhage, midline shift, and localized mass effect….
