Neurocritical Care Unit

Neuroscience ICU Offers Specialized Care for Critically Ill Neurological and Neurosurgical Patients

With one of the few neurological intensive care units (ICUs)in the state of Ohio, University Hospitals has the expertise to rapidly respond to any immediate brain injury crisis. We offer effective treatment using the latest technology to anticipate and prevent further damage from any brain injury.

Conditions treated in the Neuroscience ICU include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: disruption in the normal function of the brain caused by a blow to the head, including a concussion, or penetrating head injury.
• Intracerebral hemorrhage: A condition that occurs when a diseased or damaged blood vessel within the brain bursts causing blood to leak inside the brain.
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Bleeding into the area between the brain and the tissue that surrounds it.
• Ischemic Stroke: an ischemic stroke is a condition that occurs when the blood and oxygen supply to the brain is interrupted.
• Encephalitis: Acute inflammation of the brain, most commonly caused by a viral infection.
• Guillain-Barre syndrome: A rare disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves.
• Myasthenia Gravis: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes fatigue of the voluntary muscles.
• Status epilepticus: A continuous epileptic seizure or multiple back to back seizures that do not allow for full recovery of consciousness between them.

Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment in Neurology and Critical Care

For immediate brain injury evaluation, our neurocritical care ICU team has the specialized training needed for expert care. Our ICU team is board certified in both neurocritical care, so we are prepared to quickly respond to acute conditions involving the brain, spinal cord and nervous system and critical illness. We work as a team to reduce the long-term effects of a brain injury and avoid other physical complications.

Rapid Intervention for Brain Damage

Once the neurological ICU team stabilizes a patient, they use monitoring technology to continuously watch brain waves, blood flow and brain tissue oxygen levels for concerning patterns or changes.

University Hospitals has one of the only 24/7 continuous EEG monitoring programs in the country, allowing us to recognize issues before they become unmanageable. This allows our expert team to proactively intervene and limit further problems or complications. In addition, our team has round the clock access to sophisticated brain scanning technology, so no matter when a patient arrives at our neurological ICU, we can promptly assess his or her condition and start treatment. This rapid response saves lives and preserves long-term functioning.

On the Forefront of Research for Brain Injury Rehabilitation

UH’s neurological ICU team uses sophisticated research tools to keep up with the latest developments in brain injury treatment. For example, the team uses a software solution, developed in conjunction with the Case Western College of Engineering, to integrate and analyze high-resolution monitoring data. This tool uses a detailed algorithm to present data to clinicians, turning raw numbers into helpful information that guides treatment and improves brain injury therapies.

Access to Specialized Neurological Care

Any time someone has an injury that may indicate neurological issues, it is important to be seen by a neurological specialist as soon as possible. If you notice any change in mental status that is not fully understood or persists after therapy, seek care immediately to determine specific issues or rule out brain injury.