NeuroPOCUS: what every intensivist should know

Ultrasound has become a paramount tool in critical care. Nowadays, it is common for intensivists to use ultrasound to evaluate cardiac function, pulmonary alterations, guide vascular access, and monitor systemic venous congestion through ultrasound-based techniques. However, the brain remains often overlooked in the point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) practice. NeuroPOCUS encompasses cerebral hemodynamic assessment, mainly at the level of the middle cerebral artery, as well as evaluation of hydrocephalus, hematoma size, midline shift and intracranial pressure. Most of these are basic or basic-plus skills. In this manuscript, we present a concise guide on what every intensivist should know about NeuroPOCUS, including basic key concepts, technique and several real illustrative figures.