[Development of neurocritical care]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Critical Care Medicine

Context:

• Neurocritical care integrates neurology and critical care for acute brain conditions.
• It addresses complex patient management, including mechanical ventilation and neuromonitoring.
• The field has evolved significantly, requiring specialized knowledge and approaches.

Purpose:

• To define neurocritical care, its objectives, and historical development.
• To discuss fundamental principles like mechanical ventilation, intracranial hypertension, and neuromonitoring.
• To present research findings and future directions in the field.

Summary:

• This review covers the definition, goals, and history of neurocritical care.
• Key aspects discussed include mechanical ventilation, intracranial hypertension, and neuromonitoring.
• Research highlights include national criteria for brain death, improved outcomes for Guillain-Barre syndrome and diphtheric polyneuropathy, and diagnostic criteria for persistent vegetative state.

Impact:

• Demonstrates improved outcomes in Guillain-Barre syndrome, reducing ventilation time and recovery duration.
• Highlights significant mortality reduction in diphtheric polyneuropathy.
• Establishes diagnostic and predictive neurophysiologic criteria for non-traumatic persistent vegetative state.
• Provides insights into managing multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in severe stroke.