The Neurological Assessment of the Critically Ill Patient

doi:10.1017/9781107587908.001

Chapter 1 - The Neurological Assessment of the Critically Ill Patient

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 July 2019

Abdo Barakat and

Diana Greene-Chandos

Edited by

Michel T. Torbey

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Michel T. Torbey: Affiliation:
Ohio State University

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Summary

Critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) may exhibit signs and symptoms of primary or secondary neurological disorders. Factors such as altered mental status, agitation, pain, sedation, neuromuscular blockade, hypothermia, metabolic disturbances, intubation/mechanical ventilation, and surgical or traumatic lesions of the extremities may complicate the interpretation of the neurological assessment in the ICU. Nevertheless, neurological signs in the critically ill have been established as prognostic indicators and markers of severity. Subsequently, a proper neurological assessment of the critically ill patient remains a central aspect of care, diagnosis, and prognosis [1].

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Type: Chapter
Information: Neurocritical Care , pp. 1 - 10

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781107587908.001 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2019

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