Core Principles of Acute Neurology – serie

Core Principles of Acute Neurology is a series of short volumes that handles major topics not found in sufficient detail elsewhere and provides useful context. Solving Critical Consults provide practical information on how to evaluate complicated neurology consults in the ICU. The diagnosis and management of neurologic complications of acutely ill hospitalized patients remains challenging. The modern intensive care unit is a different place with different patients, and consultants may require a specific expertise in handling complications associated with critical illness. Some of these requests for consultation include not only diagnosis of the neurologic state, but also assistance with management at all levels. Prognostication in devastating situations or when the critical illness has come under control is a common request.

This book is the first of four books on the core principles of acute neurology. This book is a primer - and a great deal more - on how to clinically recognize acute brain injury and to treat its consequences. Acute brain injury often changes the dynamics of cerebral blood flow, cerebrospinal fluid mechanics and eventually intracranial pressure. And furthermore, acute brain and spine injury impacts on heart function, blood pressure control, breathing regulation and even gastric and bladder function. It is necessary to not only understand these fundamentals but also how certain measures could influence or correct these manifestations. Major concepts are illustrated to facilitate understanding. Each chapter concludes with a section that explains its relevance to clinical practice.The book truly combines basic neuroscience with practical know- how in an easy to read prose useful for both the novice and expert.

The medical state of acutely hospitalized neurologic patients is often compromised. This title in Core Principles of Acute Neurology does focus on how certain neurologic conditions can inflict damage to other organ systems and what systemic complications most frequently jeopardize patients with primary neurological disorders. Providing Acute Care carefully summarizes the necessary orders and treatment plan and initial management of expected complications. Each system is discussed in a separate chapter and the crucial initial decisions are presented in an easy to read narrative. This book provides a ready to use template and basic knowledge in patients sick enough to require close attention, but who do not need to be in an intensive care unit.

In any acute neurologic condition situations come up which generate questions about management.In a deteriorating patient there is a strain in decision making and many acute problems are hard calls. Handling Difficult Situations includes solutions for these reoccurring dilemmas. Each topic is carefully chosen and reflects clinical practice. The book addresses how to recognize treatable coma, how to judge the severity of traumatic brain and spine injury, and discusses how to recognize neurosurgical emergencies.Handling Difficult Situations also includes recognition and management of acute respiratory neuromuscular failure. A separate chapter discusses errors in CT scan evaluation of acute neurologic conditions.

Prognostication of acute neurologic disease is a major task for neurohospitalists and neurointensivists. The family conference raises the delicate matter of how to decide that outcome is indefinitely poor and how to define disability. This monograph is the first book on how to communicate prognosis in acute neurologic conditions. Communicating Prognosis includes useful data on prognosis in all major neurologic conditions and provides practical advice on how to effectively lead such a conference and how to resolve potential conflicts. This book provides straightforward common sense on-the-spot advice and touches on all aspects of support of devastated families.