Assessment of the patient who is neurologically impaired

Care of the patient with emergent neurologic trauma incorporates assessment, diagnosis, and treatment by a multidisciplinary team. Establishing intravenous access and determining fluid requirements necessitates an advanced knowledge of infusion support and of fluid and electrolyte balance. When these factors are addressed in a systematic, continuous manner throughout all phases of the trauma care continuum, the patient with emergent neurologic trauma has the best opportunity for restoration of optimal neurologic function.