Neurocritical Care Monitoring

While damage resulting from a primary injury to the brain or spine may be unavoidable, harm from secondary processes that cause further deterioration is not. This practical, clinical resource describes the latest strategies for monitoring the brain after acute injury. With a focus on individualization of treatment, the book examines the role of various monitoring techniques in limiting disability and potentiating patient recovery during the acute phase of brain injury. International experts in diagnosis and treatment of secondary injury explain in detail the current utilization, benefits, nuances, and risks for each commercially available monitoring device as well as approaches vital to the care of brain and spine injured patients. They cover foundational strategies for neuromonitoring implementation and analysis, including proper catheter placement, duration of monitoring, and treatment thresholds that indicate the need for clinical intervention. The book also addresses multimodality monitoring and common programmatic challenges, and offers guidance on how to set up a successful multimodal monitoring protocol in the ICU. Also included is a chapter on the key role of nurses in neuromonitoring and effective bedside training for troubleshooting and proper execution of treatment protocols. Numerous illustrations provide further illumination.