Specialized Neurocritical Care in Central California

Neurocritical care is necessary for people experiencing severe, life-threatening neurological emergencies. This type of care is delivered by a coordinated team of specialized providers that may include neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, hospitalists, radiologists, specially trained nurses, and other medical professionals.

The specialized services and advanced interventions necessary for neurocritical care are typically provided in a specialty unit called the neurocritical intensive care unit, or neuro ICU. Dignity Health Central California is proud to be at the forefront of the rapid evolution in neurointensive — always paired with humankindness.

Why You Might Need Neurocritical Care

You may need neurocritical care for one of these serious or life-threatening conditions: 

• Stroke
• Head trauma including traumatic brain injury
• Status epilepticus, a severe seizure emergency
• Bleeding in or around the brain, such as subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Spinal cord injury
• Brain tumor
• Late-stage neuromuscular disorders, including myasthenia gravis
• Postsurgical recovery

Take our free stroke risk assessment to learn what lifestyle conditions place you at risk, and what you can do to better your health.

What You Can Expect from Neurocritical Care

Neurocritical care describes many life-sustaining treatments delivered in a dedicated hospital environment. Providers of neurocritical care have advanced, specialized training in several fields, which include neurology, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and neurosurgery.

Patients in the neuro ICU may need different types of care. Some require help with breathing, and are connected to breathing-assistance devices. Many patients are in various degrees of unconsciousness for much of the time. In some cases, treatment may include sedation or the placement of the patient in a medical coma. A low patient-to-nurse ratio in the neurological intensive care unit allows for constant monitoring of every patient, and quick interventions, if needed.

Once patients become more stable and meet the standards for baseline neurological functions, they may be transferred out of neurocritical care to a sub-acute neurological care unit.

To speak with a well-qualified neurology specialist, use our Find a Doctor search tool to select a provider close to you.