Specialized neurocritical care for brain injury & illness

24/7 intensive care for brain injury & illness

Those with complex and life-threatening brain injuries and illness need the advanced expertise of Advocate's neurocritical care specialists for accurate diagnosis, accurate treatment, and around-the-clock specialized care and support. Brain injuries and neurological disorders can be life-threatening and disabling without effective intervention and care.

Multidisciplinary, coordinated care

The Neurocritical Care Unit (NCCU) is staffed by a team of neurointensivists, consulting neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuro-endovascular radiologists, trauma surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurses and technologists specially trained in the care of the nervous system system disorders and acute injury.

Care by neurointensivists

A neurointensivist is a physician who cares for patients in a Neurocritical Care Unit, also known as a Neurological ICU. These physicians have expertise in critical care medicine and in recognizing and treating neurologic emergencies.

The neurointensivists assume the lead role for care of patients in the NCCU, coordinating neurological and medical management. The neurointensivists work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, anesthesiologists, neurosurgeons, neuro- endovascular radiologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and critical care nurses when creating and implementing individualized treatment plans.

Research has shown that specialized care in an NCCU led by a neuro-intensivist is associated with improved outcomes, lower mortality rates, shorter length of stay and lower cost of care compared with a general ICU setting.

Conditions we treat

• Acute ischemic stroke
• Acute spine injury
• Brain tumors
• Cerebral aneurysm
• Cerebrovascular malformations
• Coma
• Encephalitis
• Encephalopathy
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• Hydrocephalus
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Meningitis
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Seizures (prolonged or continuous)
• Severe or deteriorating
  demyelinating illness
• Spinal Infection
• Traumatic brain injury

A new normal

Serious neurological injury or illness is often life-changing for the patient and the family. While our neurointensivists and others in the NCCU care team will guide you through the treatment process, our expanded team of social workers, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, nutritionists and chaplains will help make your hospital experience less overwhelming.

Chicagoland location

Advocate Christ Medical Center

4440 W. 95th St.
Oak Lawn, Illinois 60453