Care of Neurologic Conditions in an Observation Unit

Emerg Med Clin North Am. 2017 Aug;35(3):603-623. doi: 10.1016/j.emc.2017.03.007.

Abstract

As a group, neurologic conditions represent a substantial portion of emergency department (ED) visits. Cerebrovascular disease, headache, vertigo and seizures are all common reasons for patients to seek care in the ED. Patients being treated for each of these conditions are amenable to care in an ED observation unit (EDOU) if they require further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions beyond their ED stay. EDOUs are the ideal setting for patients who require advanced imaging such as MRIs, frequent neuro checks or specialist consultation in order to determine if they require admission or can be discharged home.

Keywords: Cerebrovascular disease; Emergency department; Headache; Neurologic conditions; Observation unit.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Back Pain / etiology
  • Back Pain / therapy
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / diagnosis
  • Cerebrovascular Disorders / therapy
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Headache / etiology
  • Headache / therapy
  • Hospital Units*
  • Humans
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / diagnosis
  • Ischemic Attack, Transient / therapy*
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology
  • Nervous System Diseases / therapy*
  • Observation*
  • Seizures / etiology
  • Seizures / therapy