Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2006; 27(3): 201-209
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-945531
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Neurological Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit

Thomas P. Bleck1 , 2 , 3
  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
  • 2Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
  • 3Department of Internal Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
21 June 2006 (online)

ABSTRACT

Neurological problems are common among critically ill patients; they often signal that other organs are failing, but are themselves important causes of morbidity and mortality. Cognitive function may suffer as a consequence of septic encephalopathy, the pathophysiology of which is poorly understood; however, the affected patients usually return to their baseline when sepsis resolves. Seizures and cerebrovascular disorders are also common in the intensive care unit. Neuromuscular complications are important causes of failure to wean from mechanical ventilation and lead to substantial long-term morbidity.

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Thomas P BleckM.D. 

University of Virginia School of Medicine, Neurology 800394

McKim Hall 2025, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0394

Email: tbleck@virginia.edu

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