What Is Neurotrauma and Neurocritical Care?

Neurotrauma care helps patients with acquired brain injuries (ABI) and spinal cord injuries (SCI), both of which can be life-changing with lasting symptoms. Neurocritical care diagnoses and provides specialized treatment for patients with life-threatening neurological conditions and injuries.

Why Might I Need Neurotrauma or Neurocritical Care? 

Besides ABI and SCI, you might need neurotrauma or neurocritical care if you suffer from a

• Stroke
• Seizure 
• Epidural or subdural hematoma (severe bruising)
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding between the brain and the tissue covering the brain)

You may also need neurotrauma or neurocritical care if you experience a spinal or skull fracture.

What Conditions Can We Treat? 

Conditions that we can treat with neurotrauma and neurocritical care include 

• Encephalitis
• Myasthenia gravis
• Gullain-Barré syndrome

What to Expect with Neurotrauma and Neurocritical Care 

Common procedures include 

• Burr hole surgery: A surgeon drills one or more small holes into the skull to drain fluid and relieve pressure.
• Craniotomy: A surgeon removes a small piece of the skull temporarily to perform surgery on the brain.
• Craniectomy: A surgeon will remove a piece of the skull temporarily to drain fluid and relieve pressure. 
• Endovascular embolization: A catheter fills and blocks a blood vessel to stop bleeding.

Additionally, your care team may refer you to the NeuroRehab and Balance Center for your recovery.