Emergency neurological procedures during COVID-19 pandemic: Practical issues.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Anesthesiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presents unique challenges in healthcare, including neurological manifestations requiring urgent neurosurgical intervention.
• Patients with COVID-19 may experience neurological complications necessitating immediate surgical or interventional procedures.
• Anesthesiologists play a critical role in managing these complex cases across various hospital settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide guidance on the anesthetic management of urgent neurosurgical and neurointerventional procedures in COVID-19 patients.
• To highlight the importance of preparedness and timely intervention for neurologically compromised patients during the pandemic.
• To offer an overview of intrahospital transport considerations for neurologically injured patients with COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and emerging guidelines on COVID-19 and neurosurgery.
• Discussion of anesthetic techniques and considerations for operating rooms, ICUs, and interventional suites.
• Analysis of patient presentation, neurological manifestations, and emergent treatment pathways.

Main Results:

• Neurological manifestations are a significant concern in COVID-19 patients requiring neurosurgical care.
• Efficient and timely anesthetic management is crucial for positive patient outcomes.
• Guidelines and recommendations are continuously evolving as knowledge of COVID-19 expands.

Conclusions:

• Anesthesiologists must be prepared to manage urgent neurosurgical and neurointerventional procedures in the context of COVID-19.
• Adaptable anesthetic strategies are essential given the evolving nature of the disease and its neurological impact.
• Safe intrahospital transport protocols are vital for neurologically injured COVID-19 patients.