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Department of Neurosciences Department of Neurosciences
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Neurocritical Care Program at UC San Diego Health: A Regional Leader in Life-Saving Neurological Treatment

The Neurocritical Care Program at UC San Diego Health is a beacon of hope and healing for patients facing life-threatening brain and spinal cord conditions. As one of the first five Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the country, and the only dedicated board-certified neuro-ICU team in the San Diego region, our program set the standard for excellence in neurological critical care. We are recognized as the No. 1 hospital system in San Diego, and tied for No. 1 in California, by U.S. News & World Report. UC San Diego Health was also recognized for excellence in patient care on their “Best Hospitals Honor Roll” (2024, 2025), along with just 19 other hospitals, for providing unparalleled expertise, innovation and compassion to every patient we treat.

Our Mission: Elevating Care Through Innovation, Collaboration and Education

We are committed to advancing neurocritical care at UC San Diego Health through leading-edge research, state-of-the-art treatments and comprehensive education. Our program offers:

  • Minimally invasive surgical procedures to enhance patient recovery
  • Continuous EEG monitoring for real-time assessment of brain activity
  • Advanced noninvasive brain oxygenation and pressure monitoring to optimize treatment strategies
  • Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven predictive analytics to detect early signs of brain deterioration
  • The only 24/7 dedicated neurocritical care coverage of its kind in San Diego

Our expertise extends beyond clinical care. We are dedicated to training the next generation of neurointensive care specialists through a rigorous fellowship program accredited by the UCNS and ACGME, offering comprehensive training for residents across 13 departments.

Why Our Program Stands Out

Our neurocritical care program extends across UC San Diego Health’s medical campuses in La Jolla and Hillcrest to deliver 24/7 specialized care for patients with severe neurological and neurosurgical conditions. Our multidisciplinary team collaborates with leading stroke specialists and neurosurgeons to provide highly individualized treatment plans for conditions such as:

  • Stroke
  • Subarachnoid hemorrhage
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage
  • Brain hemorrhage
  • Seizures
  • Brain tumors
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Brain infections
  • Brain aneurysms

Leading-edge Research That Transforms Lives

In addition to world-class patient care, our faculty physicians conduct groundbreaking research in:

  • Sleep deprivation and circadian biology in neurocritical care patients
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder and long-term effects of intensive care unit stays on both patients and their families
  • Predictive analytics for neurodegeneration and hemorrhage expansion
  • New seizure drug therapies that improve patient outcomes
  • Stem cell therapies for brain tumors and epilepsy treatment

Why Give to the Neurocritical Care Program?

Your generosity has the power to transform lives. Donations to our program allow us to:

  • Expand access to life-saving neurological treatments
  • Invest in innovative technologies, AI, software and equipment that improve patient outcomes
  • Provide 24/7 critical care coverage for our community’s most vulnerable patients
  • Train future leaders in neurocritical care through our prestigious fellowship programs

A Lifeline for the San Diego Community

By supporting the Neurocritical Care Program at UC San Diego Health, you’re not just giving to a cause —you’re giving hope to patients and families when they need it most. Your contribution ensures that no matter how complex the condition, patients in San Diego have access to world-class care close to home.

Together, we can save lives and advance the future of neurological care.

GIVE NOW

 

Consider a Planned Gift

You can have an even more significant impact on the Neurocritical Care Program. Your gift of appreciated assets, retirement funds and even real estate can help you achieve your financial and philanthropic goals while also ensuring our future success. Learn more about strategic gift planning.

*The UC San Diego Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt organization designated by the Internal Revenue Service. Our Federal Tax ID number is 95-287-2494.

 

QUESTIONS

Please contact Sarah Turner, Director of Development, at sturner@ucsd.edu or 619-454-5697.