title: Weaning of the neurologically impaired patient.
abstract: Many studies have been published on weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, but few have addressed the unique needs of patients with neurologic impairment. Typically, neuroscience patients remain intubated because of concerns over airway protection or neuromuscular weakness. This article discusses special weaning considerations for this patient population. Neurologic-specific weaning trends from a comprehensive ventilator weaning program are also presented.
authors.affiliation: Nerancy Neuro Intensive Care Unit, University of Virginia Health System, P.O. Box 801436, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. sdm4e@virginia.edu
authors.forename: Dea
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mahanes
authors.forename: Rose
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lewis
mesh_terms: D003371:Cough / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000150:complications; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012018:Reflex; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications; D013997:Time Factors; D015300:Ventilator Weaning / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000592:standards; D014797:Vital Capacity