Depending on the type of brain injury, different kinds of equipment will be used. Some common equipment is shown in the picture below. Ask a member of the health care team if you have any questions about equipment.
Monitor: A machine that shows heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, intracranial pressure, and cerebral perfusion pressure.
Head Dressing: A bandage around the head used to keep the wound or incision clean and dry.
ICP Monitor: A small tube placed into or just on top of the brain through a small hole in the skull. This will measure the amount of pressure inside the brain (intracranial pressure).
Nasogastric Tube (NG): A tube placed through the nose into the stomach that can be used to suction the stomach or provide liquid formula directly into the stomach.
Endotracheal Tube: A tube inserted through the patient's nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help with breathing and suctioning.
EKG Lead Wires: Wires connected to the chest with small patches that measure the heart rate and rhythm.
Intravenous Catheter (IV) and Intravenous Fluid: A flexible catheter which allows fluid, nutrients, and medicine to be given directly into a vein.
Ventilator: A machine used in the Intensive Care Unit to support the patient in their own breathing or give the patient breaths.
Anti-Embolism Stockings (Frequently call TEDS): Long white stockings used to help prevent the pooling of blood in the legs.
Sequential Compression Stockings (Frequently called Kendalls): Plastic leg wraps that help prevent blood clots by inflating and deflating around the legs.
Urinary “Foley” Catheter: A tube inserted into the bladder to drain and allow for accurate measurement of urine.