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Neuro Intensive Care (Picu) In Mukundapur, Kolkata - Manipal Hospitals

Neuro Intensive Care Unit

Neuro Intensive Care Unit in Mukundapur, Kolkata

A specialised medical facility called the Paediatric Neuro Intensive Care Unit (PNICU) is meant to treat and provide comprehensive care to critically ill children with neurological conditions. The children referred to the PNICU are mostly suffering from trauma, brain injuries, brain malformations, brain tumours, strokes, seizures, neurodegenerative disorders, and severe infections affecting the nervous system. This hospital unit offers the greatest level of care to young brains, and the personnel at PNICU are specially trained in providing neurocritical care to them. The functioning of the PNICU is similar to that of the intensive care unit (ICU), where adults receive specialised care. However, the PNICU has the most kid-friendly equipment accessible, and overall, the setting is more kid-friendly.

Manipal Hospitals, Mukundapur, Kolkata, has an experienced team of paediatric neurologists, paediatric neurosurgeons, critical care experts, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who are highly trained in managing neurological cases in children. Along with an experienced staff, we have the best unit for Neuro Intensive Care (PICU) in Mukundapur, Kolkata with cutting-edge equipment and advanced treatment methodologies to protect the lives of such patients.

Neuro Intensive Care (PICU) in Mukundapur, Kolkata 

FAQ's

There are different types of PICU, including the following:

  • General Paediatric Unit

  • Paediatric Neuro Intensive Care Unit (PNICU)

  • Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU)

  • Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

  • Paediatric Infusion Therapy Centre (PITC)

  • Paediatric Rehabilitation Unit

  • Paediatric Transplant Unit

  • Paediatric Emergency Department

Children who are seriously ill come to the PNICU for care and attention. Common causes for which children are referred to the PNICU include:

  • Surgery aftercare

  • Neurodegenerative disorders

  • Accidental brain injury

  • Severe infection

  • Organ failure

  • Brain tumours

  • Epilepsy

  • Seizures

  • Brain malformations

  • Medical conditions affecting the brain

PNICU patients comprise infants, young children, adolescents, preteens, and teens. The majority of PNICU patients are under the age of 18.
 

The answer to this question is dependent on your child's condition, recovery, and response to treatment. Some children remain in the PNICU for a day or two. Others remain for several weeks or months. However, longer stays are uncommon.
 

The Pediatric Neuro Intensive Care Unit (PNICU) is a critical care unit that includes a team of professionals such as neurosurgeons, paediatric neurologists, nurses trained in paediatric neurology and critical care, attending physicians, other specialists, physical therapists, respiratory therapists, occupational therapists, social workers, and child life specialists.

  • Nurses provide general care to children while attending physicians oversee the department and are often paediatric intensivists. 

  • Other specialists may be involved, depending on the child's condition. 

  • Physical therapists help children improve mobility, while occupational therapists help them learn skills for independent activities. 

  • Social workers assist families with insurance and planning for their child's return home.

Certain paediatric patients in the PNICU need more medical support. Physicians use instruments and technology to help patients. The following equipment is present in the PNICU:

  • IV catheters and central lines are used to deliver medication and fluids directly into the body.

  • Monitoring devices, such as chest leads attached to monitors, allow doctors to monitor heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure. 

  • Pulse oximeters monitor oxygen levels in the blood, and blood pressure cuffs may be used. 

  • Oxygen masks or nasal cannulas are used to help children breathe more easily, and some require artificial breathing assistance. 

  • Ventilators are sedated before inserting a tube into the child's windpipe to assist in breathing. 

During their stay, children may undergo various medical tests, including imaging examinations like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds, as well as urinalysis and blood testing. These devices help ensure the safety and well-being of the child during their treatment.
 

Patient safety in the PNICU is a primary concern, and precautions such as tight infection control practices, double-checking medication delivery, and frequent patient evaluations serve to reduce hazards.
 

Children are mostly referred to the PNICU through direct transfers from other hospitals, emergency departments, paediatricians, or after surgeries that require intensive neurological monitoring and care. 
 

You may see your child 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There may be instances when access to your child is temporarily restricted due to procedures or crises in the PNICU. You need to be patient during these periods.
 

Families may prepare by studying about the PNICU setting, asking questions about their child's treatment plan, and getting assistance from the healthcare staff and other families who have had similar experiences.

After careful monitoring through advanced imaging techniques, treatment is initiated as per your child’s condition and requirements. The treatment in the PNICU may involve medications, mechanical ventilation, rehabilitation therapies, and neurosurgery.
 

Once the treatment is over and your child is stable, a discharge plan will be made for your child’s discharge from the PNICU. If needed, they may be transferred to the general paediatric ward for proper healing. The discharge plan will include instructions you need to follow for home care, medication management, therapy services, and scheduling follow-up appointments.