Washington Regional introduced the region’s first neurosurgical intensive care unit, or neuro ICU, in 2018. The specialized unit, which is part of the J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute, is the only one of its kind in Northwest Arkansas and offers critical care for patients with complex neurological conditions.


The neuro ICU is equipped to care for patients with a variety of issues, including spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, strokes, and epilepsy. In addition to the unit's advanced technology, the nursing staff in the unit has also undergone special training to care for neurological patients and can detect even the most subtle changes in a patient’s condition.

Patient care in the neuro ICU is supported by an interdisciplinary team that includes physicians, nurses, therapy services, pharmacists, and dietitians. Each room in the unit is specially designed for neurological patients, with features such as dimmable lighting as many neurological patients experience sensitivity to light.

In addition, the neuro ICU offers spcialized monitoring, such as continuous EEG monitoring, to detect abnormal brain activity and seizures.