Select topics in neurocritical care

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2014 Nov;32(4):927-38. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2014.07.015. Epub 2014 Sep 16.

Abstract

Neurocritical care aims to improve outcomes in patients with life-threatening neurologic illness. The scope of neurocritical care extends beyond the more commonly encountered and important field of cerebrovascular disease, as described previously. This article focuses on neuromuscular, neuroinfectious, and neuroimmunologic conditions that are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in the acutely neurologically ill patient. As understanding continues to increase regarding the physiology of these conditions and the best treatment, rapid identification, triage, and treatment of these patients in the emergency department is paramount.

Keywords: Encephalitis; Guillain-Barre syndrome; Meningitis; Myasthenia gravis; Neurocritical care; Rhombencephalitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Abscess
  • Critical Care
  • Disease Progression
  • Encephalitis, Viral / immunology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / complications
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / physiopathology
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Meningitis / cerebrospinal fluid
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / complications
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / diagnosis
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / physiopathology
  • Myasthenia Gravis* / therapy
  • Neuromyelitis Optica
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Triage