The Role of the Neurointensivist

ABSTRACT

Neurointensivists are critical care physicians specifically focused on the management of patients with acute neurologic conditions including traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, status epilepticus, and neuromuscular respiratory failure. As understanding of secondary brain injury after severe head trauma has advanced, increased attention is being paid to intensive care management of these patients, specifically with regard to prevention, identification, and treatment of secondary brain insults. Because of this increasing complexity of acute care of the TBI patient, a multidisciplinary approach to the neurocritical care of severe TBI is advocated. Neurointensivists may work in collaboration with neurosurgeons and other physicians in coordinating acute care protocols, decisions about advanced neuromonitoring, and other aspects of care. Future advances in neurocritical care for TBI are likely to come in the context of a thoughtful coordinated team approach that addresses issues of primary and secondary brain injury.

KEYWORDS

Critical care - neurointensivist - neuromonitoring - secondary brain injury - traumatic brain injury

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