Neurocritical Care and Neurotrauma
We offer advanced care to get you or your loved one on the road to recovery when you have a stroke or traumatic head, neck or spine injury.
Medically reviewed by Lara Zimmermann, M.D. on July 14, 2025.
Expert Neurocritical Care
At the UC Davis Department of Neurology and the Department of Neurosurgery, we offer advanced neurocritical care and neurosurgeries to minimize damage and improve quality of life.
On this page
Neurotrauma Conditions We Treat
Strokes and unexpected traumatic injuries to the brain, spine and nerves can have serious, long-term effects on your body and mind.
We help people who experience:
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Intracerebral hemorrhage
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage
- Nerve injury
- Spinal cord injury
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Status epilepticus
- Meningitis and encephalitis
- Neuromuscular weakness
- Cardiac arrest
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As Sacramento's No. 1 hospital, you'll benefit from unique advantages in primary care and specialty care. This includes prevention, diagnosis and treatment options from experts in 150 specialties.
Referring Physicians
To refer a patient, submit an electronic referral form or call.
Patients
Call to make an appointment.
Consumer Resource Center
Comprehensive Neurotrauma Services
Our neurotrauma specialists have extensive expertise in treating strokes and other types of traumatic brain, nerve and spine injuries.
You or your loved one benefit from:
Team of Neurotrauma Specialists
Depending on the injury, our team of neurointensivists partners with experts in neurosurgery, trauma and acute care surgery, orthopaedic surgery, cardiac surgery and other specialists to manage all your medical needs.
Highest Level Trauma Center
Our level 1 trauma center provides the highest level of care for adults and children with traumatic injuries. As California’s only level 1 trauma center north of San Francisco, we have the expertise to treat the most severe neurotraumas. You or your loved one will be in expert hands.
Neurotrauma Research and Clinical Trials
We’re active in research and clinical trials to improve treatments and quality of life for patients affected by neurotraumas. This means you have access to emerging, innovative treatments for neurotrauma and recovery.
Dedicated Rehabilitation Programs
You benefit from specialized inpatient rehabilitation programs at UC Davis Rehabilitation Hospital. We also have a dedicated TBI Clinic, the only comprehensive Spinal Cord Injury Clinic in Northern California and an outpatient stroke program. These additional resources allow for continued comprehensive care following acute injury and hospitalization.
Trauma Neurosurgery: What to Expect
Neurotrauma surgery is an emergency procedure. Your care team will help you or your loved ones understand what to expect during and after the procedure.
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Before Trauma Neurosurgery
Learn more about neuroradiologyOur neuroradiologists expertly use advanced neuroimaging technology to assess brain, neck, and spine injuries. This information helps our team develop the most effective treatment plan for you.
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During Trauma Neurosurgery
See what you can expect during neurosurgerySteps for neurotrauma surgery vary depending on the type of injury and procedure. We have dedicated neuroanesthesiologists who specialize in keeping you or your loved one safe and comfortable during these surgeries.
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After Trauma Neurosurgery
Explore more about neurosurgeryRecovery takes place in our neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) or our surgical intensive care unit (SICU). These units have advanced neurological monitoring and specialized care teams to promote your recovery with compassion.
Home Care After a Neurotrauma
Recovery after a neurotrauma depends on the type and severity of the condition, your overall health and other factors. To aid at-home recovery, it’s important to follow your care team’s instructions.
Take Medications
Follow your provider’s instructions and take medications for pain and other symptoms as prescribed.
Participate in Rehabilitation
Experts at our Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation help you regain strength and improve mobility and speech. You may benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. You will also have follow-up in the outpatient traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinic to ensure comprehensive care for optimal recovery.
Rest and Heal
Your body needs time and rest to recover after a stroke or traumatic head, neck, or spine injury. Follow your provider’s recommendations for resuming activities.
Awards and Recognitions
Ranked among the nation’s best hospitals
A U.S. News & World Report best hospital in cardiology, heart & vascular surgery, diabetes & endocrinology, ENT, geriatrics, neurology & neurosurgery, and pulmonology & lung surgery.
Ranked among the nation’s best children’s hospitals
U.S. News & World Report ranked UC Davis Children’s Hospital among the best in neonatology, nephrology, orthopedics*, pediatric & adolescent behavioral health, and pulmonology & lung surgery. (*Together with Shriners Children’s Northern California)
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital
Ranked Sacramento’s #1 hospital by U.S. News, and high-performing in aortic valve surgery, back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, gynecological cancer surgery, heart arrhythmia, heart failure, kidney failure, leukemia, lymphoma & myeloma, lung cancer surgery, pacemaker implantation, pneumonia, prostate cancer surgery, stroke, TAVR, cancer, orthopedics, gastroenterology & GI surgery, and urology.
The nation’s highest nursing honor
UC Davis Medical Center has received Magnet® recognition, the nation’s highest honor for nursing excellence.
World-class cancer care
One of ~59 U.S. cancer centers designated “comprehensive” by the National Cancer Institute.
A leader in health care equality
For the 13th consecutive year, UC Davis Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader by the educational arm of America’s largest civil rights organization.
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