A neuro ICU is an intensive care unit devoted to the care of patients with immediately life-threatening neurological problems.
It also covers the specialists one might encounter at a neuro ICU and the specialized skills that they have.
In one study, patients on a ventilator remained in the neuro ICU for around 16 days.
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Patients who did not need a ventilator stayed for around three to four days.
What the Neuro ICU Provides
Neurointensive care covers more than just a wide range of diseases.
Individualized Care
The personal nature of severe neurological illnesses also cannot be understated.
The emotional fragility these changes can provoke in friends and family members requires special attention.
This becomes even more important when discussing topics such asbrain death.
However, the need for more specialized care became increasingly evident as our understanding of medicine became more complex.
In 1977, the first large general academic neuro ICU in North America was started at Massachusetts General Hospital.
From there, they became increasingly popular across the nation and the world.
Most neuro ICUs are found in large academic hospitals that receive a steady stream of patients.
Smaller hospitals may not have enough patients to justify constructing a neuro ICU.
They will either care for the patient in a general ICU or transfer the patient to a different hospital.
Who Works in a Neuro ICU
Neuro ICUs are very multi-disciplinary.
To avoid confusion, ensure that everyone introduces themselves and describes their role.
The overall mortality rate for people in a neuro ICU versus a generalized medical ICU is improved.
The healthcare providers in neuro ICU departments have specialized knowledge and skills.
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