Levetiracetam is associated with improved cognitive outcome for patients with intracranial hemorrhage.

Background: To date, common therapy in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) includes prophylaxis of seizure using antiepileptic drugs, commonly phenytoin. Phenytoin therapy is associated with a high incidence of cognitive disturbance. Levetiracetam is known to cause less cognitive disruption and may be a suitable alternative for seizure prophylaxis.

The impact of delirium on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated surgical and trauma patients.

Objective: Previously, delirium has been identified as an independent risk factor for mortality in critically ill medical patients. We undertook this study to examine the relationships among medication usage, delirium, and clinical outcomes in a critically ill surgical/trauma population.

Design: Prospective, multicentered, observational study.

Use of intrathecal nicardipine for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage-induced cerebral vasospasm.

Background: Cerebral vasospasm leading to delayed ischemia is a common and serious complication of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage that often results in increased morbidity and mortality. Treatments for cerebral vasospasm, including triple-H therapy (therapeutic hypervolemia, hypertension, and hemodilution), nimodipine, balloon angioplasty, and intra-arterial vasodilators have limitations in their efficacy and safety profiles. Nicardipine, a calcium channel blocker, is available for intravenous administration for blood pressure reduction.

Placement of external ventricular drains and intracranial pressure monitors by neurointensivists.

Introduction: External ventricular drains (EVDs) and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitors are widely used in the Neurological Critical Care Unit (NCCU) to measure ICP and divert cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). EVDs and ICP monitors have historically been placed by neurosurgeons; however, with recent staffing of NCCUs by neurointensivists, a growing number of EVDs and ICP monitors are being placed by these specialists.

Results: Limited data are available concerning the safety or feasibility of such placements by neurointensivists.