Penn Neuro ICU: Provides Award-Winning Care

Patients with severe neurological injuries have access to comprehensive neurological care at Penn’s award-winning Neuro-Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

The Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, part of Penn’s Comprehensive Neuroscience Center, is a Level 1 trauma center and acute brain injury center. Its multidisciplinary approach provides total comprehensive care for patients with traumatic brain injury and spinal cord trauma, stroke, aneurysms, neurovascular disease, brain tumors, brain infection, epilepsy and neuromuscular emergencies.

The Neuro ICU is staffed by a team of expert clinicians in the fields of neurology, neurosurgery, radiology, anesthesiology, nutrition, pharmacology, physical therapy and social work. Physicians and staff set the standard for care in the region and are leaders in advancing the field through research and patient care. In addition, the nationally renowned center often hosts visiting clinicians and educators from around the world, providing training in the latest techniques and information.

Cutting-edge brain monitoring such as continuous EEG, brain oxygen monitoring, and cerebral microdialysis, allow physicians at the Penn Neuro ICU to determine brain oxygenation, cerebral blood flow, brain tissue chemistry and intracranial pressure. Staff members perform invasive and non-invasive tests and studies right at the patient’s bedside, including neuro-imaging such as conventional and xenon CT scans, CT angiography and perfusion tests, and transcranial Doppler imaging. The latest medical and surgical therapies to preserve brain function are also available.

As the only academic neuro-ICU in the region, Penn’s Neuro ICU is staffed by internationally renowned researchers specializing in brain injury. These investigators are leading the way in uncovering breakthroughs in the treatment of traumatic brain and spinal cord injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, brain tumor and stroke. In fact, research findings from the center are now part of the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines for care.

The Penn Neuro ICU also provides specialized post-operative care for neurosurgery patients at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. The department offers a full continuum of care, with coverage 24-hours-per-day, 365-days-a-year. In addition, the PennSTAR flight program provides critical care air medical transportation within a 100-mile radius of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

In recognition of its lifesaving efforts, the program was awarded the prestigious Beacon Award for excellence in critical care.