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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Detailed Protocol for Physiological Parameters Acquisition and Analysis in Neurosurgical Critical Patients
Published on: October 17, 2017
Cerebral pathophysiology and critical care neurology: basic hemodynamic principles, cerebral perfusion, and
Edward R Smith1, Joseph R Madsen
1Department of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Insights
Pediatric neurologic intensive care focuses on managing cerebral perfusion and intracranial pressure (ICP). Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for children with neurologic conditions requiring intensive care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neurocritical Care
- Pediatric Intensive Care
Background:
- Pediatric neurologic intensive care uniquely addresses cerebral perfusion and intracranial pressure (ICP).
- Standard pediatric intensive care unit (ICU) issues gain complexity with neurologic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline fundamental principles for diagnosing and managing elevated ICP in children.
- To highlight key differences between pediatric neurologic and standard pediatric intensive care.
Main Methods:
- Focus on diagnosis and monitoring of cerebral perfusion and ICP.
- Application of resuscitation principles.
- Strategies for reducing intracranial volume.
- Emphasis on continuous reassessment.
Main Results:
- Elevated ICP requires prompt and specialized management.
- Understanding neurologic implications is vital for ICU patients.
- A systematic approach involving resuscitation, volume reduction, and reassessment is key.
Conclusions:
- Effective management of pediatric neurologic emergencies hinges on ICP control.
- This specialized care integrates neurocritical care principles into the ICU setting.
- Timely intervention based on established principles improves outcomes for children with elevated ICP.
Abstract:
Pediatric neurologic intensive care differs from standard pediatric intensive care in two important respects. First, the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of problems related to disorders of cerebral perfusion and intracranial pressure (ICP) are central to nearly all of pediatric neurologic and neurosurgical intensive care. Second, various clinical problems normally encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU) have additional implications when associated with neurologic disease. Regardless of the cause, treatment should be undertaken as expeditiously as possible and should be based on the principles of resuscitation, reducing the volume of the intracranial contents, and reassessment. This chapter aims to outline some basic principles underlying the diagnosis and management of elevated ICP in children.
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