The 18-bed unit aims to optimize healing and recovery for patients with brain injury and neurological conditions to highly specialized round-the-clock care.
Frequently complex in nature, brain and spinal cord injuries and illnesses require specialized care for a patient’s successful recovery.
A relatively recent innovation in modern medicine, a neurological intensive care unit (neuro ICU) allows highly trained physicians and staff to provide specialized expertise, including neuroprotective care, to patients requiring round-the-clock medical attention.
“From severe strokes to traumatic brain injuries, neuro ICUs playing an integral role in improving patient outcomes,” says Krystal McCloud, MSN, RN, CCRN, Director of Nursing, Intensive Care Unit, South Texas Health System (STHS) McAllen. “Studies suggest that these highly specialized units lead to lower death rates, shorter hospital stays and improved long-term functional recovery for patients.”
Recognizing the importance of a neuro ICU to support the hundreds of patients admitted to its Comprehensive Stroke Center, STHS McAllen launched its own unit in December 2025, following a $12 million renovation project.
Housed in a completely reconditioned space on 4 West, the facility’s 18-bed neuro ICU provides continuous monitoring and advanced treatment for patients with complex neurological injuries and conditions, including brain injury, hemorrhage, trauma or tumors, stroke, seizures and spinal cord injuries.
The multidisciplinary team in STHS McAllen’s Neuro ICU includes neurocritical care-certified physicians and staff, including 57 registered nurses currently certified in emergency neurological life support. “From neurologists and neurosurgeons to highly trained nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists and physical, occupational and speech therapists, the Neuro ICU team features specialists with a wide range of expertise to provide individualized care aimed at improving patient outcomes,” says J. Leslie Péan, MD, Medical Director, STHS McAllen’s Neuro ICU. “Committed to evidence-based treatment methods that support the highest possible level of care, our team develops integrated plans for each patient that address the physical, cognitive, nutritional and social needs to create coordinated, patient-centered plans for recovery.”
To date, STHS McAllen has treated nearly 100 patients in its neuro ICU, with improved patient outcomes and satisfaction reported.
“Our neuro ICU is transforming the care of critically ill neurological patients, offering a lifeline with highly specialized care that is helping enhances survival and recovery,” says Emma Montes-Ewing, Chief Executive Officer, STHS McAllen. “Acting as a cohesive unit and leveraging the diverse skills of the neuro ICU, our team is helping navigate the complexities of neurological critical illness and injury while offering safe, effective and quality compassionate care to patients requiring 24/7 attention.”
To learn more about the neuro ICU at STHS McAllen, visit sthsmcallen.com.
About South Texas Health System
South Texas Health System is a multi-facility healthcare system serving patients throughout the Rio Grande Valley. The system includes four acute care facility campuses with specialties in pediatrics, heart and vascular services, maternity and women’s health and trauma services. Inpatient and outpatient treatment for behavioral health needs and addictive disorders is also provided through the system’s South Texas Health System Behavioral facility. South Texas Health System is affiliated with the South Texas Clinical Partners ACO, Prominence Health Plan and Cornerstone Regional Hospital. The system operates an advanced Level I Trauma Center at South Texas Health System McAllen, the first children’s facility and pediatric ER at South Texas Health System Children’s, the region’s only freestanding heart hospital and specialized cardiac ER at South Texas Health System Heart and seven freestanding emergency rooms located in and around Weslaco, Mission, Edinburg, McAllen, Pharr and Alamo. For more information about the system and its comprehensive services, please visit www.southtexashealthsystem.com.
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of South Texas Health System. The hospital shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians.
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