The Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) at UT Southwestern is one of the world’s premier neurological diagnostic and treatment centers. Our recently opened, state-of-the-art 24-bed unit is equipped and designed to provide coordinated, compassionate care, while closely monitoring and treating patients with life-threatening neurological conditions. The unit is equipped with the capability to continuously monitor brain activity (electroencephalography) for all patients. In addition, the neurosurgical operating rooms, the angiography suite, CT scanner and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner are all located adjacent to the Neuro ICU allowing ease of access to advanced technology and therapies.
Who We Are
The Neuro ICU, which is one of the largest in the region, is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a team comprised of highly trained physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, patient care technicians, respiratory therapists, and ancillary staff. We coordinate your care with specialists from pharmacy, radiology, nutrition, chaplain services, social work, and physical, occupational, and speech therapies. This is the only Neuro ICU in the North Texas area to be recognized as a Beacon of Excellence Unit by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.
There are three teams that care for patients in the Neuro ICU: the Neurocritical Care team, the Neurosurgery team, and the Vascular Neurology team.
- The Neurocritical Care team is led by board-certified neurointensivists who offer specialized expertise for patients who are critically ill and may require specialized treatment such as mechanical ventilation.
- The Neurosurgery team includes neurosurgeons with expertise in treating brain tumors, aneurysms and epilepsy, among others.
- The Vascular Neurology team includes board-certified neurologists, interventional neuroradiologists, stroke coordinators and advanced practice providers.
The Neurocritical Care team cares for all patients in the Neuro ICU. You may also receive care from one or both of other two teams. This unique multidisciplinary team approach ensures that our patients get the best possible care.
Admission
Admission to the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) may be pre-planned, such as for patients who require close monitoring following surgery, or it may be unplanned following an aneurysm, a stroke, or deterioration of a condition. It can take around one to two hours to admit patients and settle them into the unit.
Compassionate Care
We understand that being in the hospital or having a loved one in the hospital can be frightening, and we want to make this time as comfortable as possible for you and your family. We have leadership coverage in the Neuro ICU 24 hours a day.
If you feel you need to reach out, your go-to person is the charge nurse. In addition to a clinic manager, this unit has four assistant managers and an incredible team of neurocritical care physicians and advanced practice providers.
Providing you with top-quality care is our No. 1 priority.
Visitor Guidelines
The ICU does not have set visiting hours – you may visit at any time. Learn about our visitation guidelines and overnight stays.
