NCCEd: Neurocritical Care Education for Residents

Objective: Recognize clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of decompensated heart failure

Rationale: Neurology patients often have relevant comorbid cardiac disease. Conventional management of several acute neurological illnesses often entails liberal fluid administration, which may exacerbate heart failure and contribute to poorer outcomes. Furthermore, treatment of atrial fibrillation (see next learning objective) is impacted by whether heart failure is present.

Objective: Select a rate control or rhythm control strategy for atrial fibrillation and manage rapid ventricular response when present

Rationale: Atrial fibrillation, often with rapid ventricular response, is incredibly common in acutely neurologically ill patients. The nature of the neurologic injury often dictates the therapeutic strategy that can be used. Being able to analyze the cardiac and neurologic situation and manage this condition is essential for avoiding more morbidity and mortality.