Patients are placed in the neurosurgical ICU when they require close monitoring. This may include invasive hemodynamic monitors, intracranial monitors and frequent neurologic exams. All patients who have undergone intracranial procedures and many patients who have had extensive spinal procedures will routinely be monitored in the ICU until their medical condition has stabilized.
Back to TopPatients are evaluated numerous times every day to determine their condition. They will be discharged from the ICU when stable, as determined by their team of physicians. A routine brain tumor patient spends one day in the ICU.
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What nursing care is available?
Each nurse is responsible for the care of two ICU patients. Also, the Neurosurgery department employs experienced full-time nurse practitioners who may evaluate and treat patients in the ICU.
Back to TopBoth a member of the neurosurgical house staff and team are in the hospital at all times and are immediately available for any emergency. They usually examine each patient once or twice per day, depending on the patient's condition. Neurosurgery attendings usually round on their patients in the ICU once per day.
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Can family members visit? Children?
Family members are permitted at the discretion of the nursing staff and only during visiting hours. Children under the age of 16 are not allowed in the ICU.
Back to TopAsk your nurse for pain medication. Pain is usually well-controlled with a combination of oral medication and/or injections. In cases of severe pain, a Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) device will be used to allow the patient to more frequently self-administer their pain medication via an intravenous patient. It is a priority to minimize or remove your pain completely after surgery.
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Is it ok to touch the patient?
It is usually acceptable and frequently therapeutic to touch the patient. Some patients may require contact precautions and should not be touched in order to minimize the spread of infection. Check with the nurse if there is any question.
Back to TopBecause of underlying medical conditions, surgery, medication, the surroundings, frequent monitoring by nurses, and lack of sleep, some patients may experience mild disorientation or confusion while in the ICU. If you have any questions or concerns about patient confusion, please talk to your nurse or doctor.
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