Drug Interactions
Decreases effectPhenytoinTheophyllineCorticosteroids(dexamethasone)WarfarinCarbamazepinePhenytoinWarfarinBarbituratesPhenytoinCorticosteroidsTricyclicantidepressantsWarfarinIncreases effectValproic acidWarfarin
Diabetes Insipidus After Brain Tumor Surgery
FIGURE 26.1 A) Preoperative MRI scan showing a large suprasellar enhancing mass with associated obstructive hydrocephalus. B) Postoperative MRI scan showing complete resection of the previously observed suprasellar mass. (Both…
Weaning of the Ventilator in Myasthenia Gravis
FIGURE 24.1 Hypersecretion and neuromuscular respiratory failure in myasthenia gravis. Serial X-chest showing marked left atelectasis from a mucus plug (A) and gradual improvement after intubation and bronchoscopy (B, C)….
Choices in Refractory Status Epilepticus
FIGURE 11.1 Algorithm for the management of status epilepticus. ABC, airway, breathing, circulation; CSF, cerebrospinal fluid; ED, emergency department; EEG, electroencephalography; ICU, intensive care unit; MV, mechanical ventilation. * The…
Autonomic Failure After Guillain-Barr Syndrome
FIGURE 23.1 Marked dilated colonic loops on abdominal X-ray (A) and confirmed on abdominal CT scan (B). The treatment of patients with adynamic ileus is mostly parenteral nutrition for several…
Acute Cardiac Arrhythmia After Acute Brain Injury
FIGURE 22.1 EKG: Atrial fibrillation and rapid ventricular response (A) with resolution (B). Cardiac arrhythmias and EKG changes are quite common in patients with critical neurologic illness, often need more…
Acute Hypertension After Stroke
FIGURE 21.1 Recommended algorithm for control of hypertension in patients with acute stroke. *Target should be 130/80 mmHg in patients with diabetes mellitus. Ideal blood pressure < 120/80 mm Hg….
Early Hypotension and Fever
1–2 liters of 0.9% NaCl (may add intermittent infusions of 250 cc of albumin 5%)Define resuscitation goalA MAP goal higher than the usual 65 mmHg may be necessary in neurocritical…
Stupor After Brain Surgery
FIGURE 16.1 A) MRI shows large ependymona in the 4th ventricle. B) CT scan about 10 days after surgery shows multiple hypodensities. C) The cerebral angiogram (sample of multiple series)…
Failure to Awaken After Surgery
FIGURE 15.1 CT scan shows bilateral cerebellar hypodensities with acute obstructive hydrocephalus. What do you do now? Without doubt, abnormal wakefulness after a surgical procedure is the most common reason…
