Neurocritical care
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The daily practice of neurointensivists focuses on the recognition of subtle changes in the neurological examination, interactions between the brain and systemic derangements, and brain physiology. Common alterations such as fever, hyperglycemia, and hypotension have different consequences in patients with brain insults compared with patients of general medical illness. ⋯ We have summarized the topics discussed in this session. We have provided a brief overview of the current status of these technologies, and put forward recommendations for future research applications in the field of neurocritical care.
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Review Case Reports
Successful treatment of recurrent basilar artery occlusion with intra-arterial thrombolysis and vertebral artery coiling in a child.
Signs of brainstem ischemia in children may be subtle, and outcome following basilar artery occlusion is often poor. There currently are no guidelines in children regarding the best methods to diagnose and treat basilar artery occlusion. ⋯ Management of brainstem stroke in children requires coordination of neurology, critical care, and interventional radiology services. Delayed intra-arterial thrombolysis and vertebral artery coiling can be successfully used to treat basilar artery occlusion and prevent the recurrence of brainstem ischemia in children.
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Advanced hemodynamic monitoring is necessary for many patients with acute brain and/or spinal cord injury. Optimizing cerebral and systemic physiology requires multi-organ system function monitoring. ⋯ These include transpulmonary thermodilution, arterial pressure pulse contour, and waveform analysis and bedside critical care ultrasound. A thorough understanding of hemodynamics and of the available monitoring modalities is an essential skill for the neurointensivist.
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We present the video of a patient who presented massive and ongoing rhythmic abdominal myoclonus in postanoxic coma.