Neurocritical Care

Treating Brain Injury, Stroke, Seizures and More

In a Neurological Emergency, Expert Care Can Make the Difference Between Life and Death.

Acute stroke, traumatic brain injury, status epilepticus and cardiac arrest are catastrophic events that require expert care to attain the best outcomes. These conditions typically set off a cascade of secondary injury, including brain swelling, increased intracranial pressure, seizures, and fever. These injuries can worsen brain damage. With expert care and the advanced technology available in a neuro-ICU, these damaging processes may be stopped and reversed, giving the patient the best possible chance for meaningful recovery.

Neurointensive Care Unit at Westchester Medical Center

Westchester Medical Center (WMC) has a leading neuro-ICU and is here to help. Led by Stephan A. Mayer, MD, an internationally recognized pioneer in the field of neurocritical care, the 19-bed neurological intensive care unit at WMC is staffed by a dedicated team of neurointensivists and specialized neuro nurses. Our unit features:

• Emergency “mobile ICU” transport via helicopter or ambulance, because “time equals brain.”
• Advanced multimodality brain monitoring, including intracranial pressure, brain tissue oxygen, and continuous EEG, including a Moberg CNS data acquisition system in each room.
• Around-the-clock remote back-up physician tele-support provided by our electronic ICU.
• Acute stroke revascularization using clot-busting drugs and intra-arterial mechanical clot removal.
• Emergency reversal agents to stop bleeding in the brain due to blood thinners.
• RAPID perfusion imaging and robotic transcranial Doppler that allows us to image brain-at-risk.
• Therapeutic hypothermia to minimize brain swelling and damage from oxygen deprivation.
• Access to cutting-edge clinical trials.
• Early integration of mobility and rehabilitation into the ICU environment.
• Family-centered care that emphasizes open access for loved ones.
• Dedication, commitment and passion for what we do as a team of nurses, doctors and essential medical support staff.

We create opportunities. We offer round-the-clock surveillance, advanced monitoring, and the most developed medical and surgical treatments available in the world. Our singular goal is to give each and every patient their best possible chance to survive, thrive, and enjoy everything that life has to offer.

Training the Next Generation of Neurocritical Care Specialists

WMC offers a fellowship program for advanced medical trainees seeking further expertise in neurocritical care. Learn more about the program.

Emergency Transfer

Severe Stroke Or Brain Injury? Call Now to Request an Emergency Transfer

To speak to a WMC neurointensivist about a potential transfer dial our 24-hour hotline:

866-Go-To-WMC (866.468.6962)

If your family member or loved one has suffered a severe stroke or brain injury, call 866-Go-To-WMC immediately to discuss a potential transfer. You will be directly connected with an on-call physician who can discuss the case.

Conditions Treated

Together, we develop and implement individualized treatment plans for these conditions and many others.

For Patients and Families

We Create Possibilities.

An Environment That Promotes Healing And Recovery

In the practice of neurocritical care, we treat patients who have experienced truly life-altering disease states. The uncertainty of neurologic prognosis can leave both families and providers feeling doubtful.

Our goal is to provide hope, support, and inspiration to our patients and their families. Our philosophy is to engender “the art of the possible.” Every patient has one story. We will work with you to visualize the best-case scenario for your loved one and work diligently to make it a reality.

There are no guarantees in life, but when it comes to life and death, we will not waver. We will not rest. We will fight to preserve life and recovery for your loved one.

Family-Centered Care

We believe that when someone is fighting for their life in the ICU, the presence and support of loved ones is crucial. The science of how people emerge from coma is poorly understood. Experience, however, tells us that people first begin to recover consciousness through brief “glimpses” of awareness, like a light bulb flickering on and off. When a familiar face, voice, or soothing touch is present during these brief episodes, it serves as a North Star -- reminding the patient of where they need to go back to.

In our neuro-ICU, we care for both the patient and family. We do our very best to encourage and facilitate visitation as much as possible, in ways that are safe and responsible. We welcome family members on our rounds, invite them to stay in the room when we come to the bedside, and encourage them to actively participate in care.

The Role You Can Play

In addition to simply being present, families and loved ones can play a unique and valuable active role in promoting recovery. Touching, stroking, speaking or singing sends sensory inputs into the brain that can have a calming, orienting, and even healing effect. Playing the patient’s favorite music, or reading to them quietly, can serve a similar function.

Finally, family involvement is crucial for mapping the trajectory of recovery after discharge from the neuro-ICU. The vast majority of our patients require rehabilitation when they are ready to leave the ICU, which may take place in a number of different environments. Collaborating and participating early with the ICU team and social worker can ensure that your loved one has the best possible path on the road to recovery.

Our Providers

Our comprehensive care team is dedicated to providing the most up-to-date evaluation, personalized multidisciplinary treatments and continuity of care for patients. 

Stephan Mayer, MD
Director, Neurocritical Care, Emergency Neurological Services,
Professor, Neurology and Neurosurgery

• Neurology

Fawaz Al Mufti, MD
Director of Fellowship, Neuroendovascular Surgery
Neuroendovascular Surgeon
Neurocritical Care

• Neuroendovascular Surgery
• Neurointensive Care
• Neurological Surgery

Andrew Bauerschmidt, MD
Neurointensivist
Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Westchester Medical Center

• Neurology

Dipak Chandy, MD
Joint Chief, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine
Professor of Medicine and Neurology, New York Medical College

• Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease
• Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Internal Medicine, Sleep Medicine

Jon Rosenberg, MD
Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery
Division of Neurocritical Care
Department: Neurology and Neurosurgery

• Neurology