Neurologic complications in intensive care

Abstract

Neurologic complications in intensive care occur as the result of critical illness, intensive care therapies and procedures, or medical or surgical conditions; perioperatively; or because of underlying primary neurologic disease. These complications occur at greater frequency and are often unrecognized because critically ill patients are often intubated, sedated, and/or receiving neuromuscular blocking agents. Encephalopathy is the most common neurologic complication in the ICU and is usually multifactorial in origin. Sepsis is associated with the highest incidence of neurologic complications. Neurologic complications are associated with increased disability, longer hospital stay, and increased mortality. This review focuses on neurologic complications that are the result of critical illnesses and intensive care management.