Leading Neurocritical Care in Southern California

Severe and life-threatening neurological emergencies are often handled by a highly-specialized, coordinated team of doctors and nurses. This care is provided in a hospital’s neurocritical care unit, or the neurological intensive care unit (neuro ICU).

At Dignity Health Southern California, our neurocritical team members include neurologists, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, hospitalists, radiologists, and specially trained nurses.

If you’d like more information about neurocritical care in Southern California, visit one of these locations:

• Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center
• Northridge Hospital Medical Center
• St. Bernardine Medical Center
• St. Mary Medical Center Long Beach

To make an appointment with a neurologist, Find a Doctor online.

Reasons for Neurocritical Care

Life-threatening neurological conditions may require the services of a neurocritical care team. Common reasons for this level of care include:

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

What Our Neurological Intensive Care Unit Offers

An ICU dedicated to neurological care offers highly specialized services, including a low patient-to-nurse ratio, a high level of monitoring, and the ability to perform quick medical interventions if necessary.

At Dignity Health Southern California, our neurology specialists use the latest equipment and technology to support brain function and other organ systems in the body. Our philosophy of delivering care with respect and humankindness guides every aspect of service.

What to Expect in the Neuro ICU at Dignity Health Southern California

You may receive neurocritical care due to stroke, brain trauma, a life-threatening seizure episode, or after undergoing Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery. In the neurocritical care unit, nurses directly monitor your status at all times. You may be unconscious to varying degrees much of the time.

Your ICU team is by your side to deliver a range of services, such as:

• Support your breathing through mechanical ventilation
• Provide sedation for a procedure
• Induce a coma as part of your treatment

You may be transferred to a sub-acute neurological care unit when you become more stable. Your care team is always on hand to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you or your family may have.