Neurologic complications of systemic critical illness.

Neurologic complications of systemic illnesses may affect any part of the nervous system in various conditions. In many systemic disorders, however, an acute confusional state is the first manifestation. It is urgent to make a definitive diagnosis and begin specific and supportive therapy to lessen mortality and morbidity. A case of severe septic illness with central and peripheral nervous system complications is reviewed. Septic encephalopathy and critical illness polyneuropathy are common conditions in the general ICU. The neuropathy often is the underlying cause for failure to wean from the ventilator.