PERSPECTIVES: Origins of the Neuro ICU and the FOUR Score with Dr. Eelco Wijdicks

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Perspectives series, Nicholas Morris, MD, is joined by Eelco Wijdicks, MD, PhD, professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic and chair of the Division of Critical Care Neurology. A pioneer of neurocritical care, Dr. Wijdicks reflects on training in Rotterdam, fellowship at Mass General under Allan H. Ropper, MD, and the creation of Mayo Clinic's neuro ICU in the 1990s. Wijdicks shares the story behind the FOUR Score Coma Scale and lessons from subarachnoid hemorrhage, hyponatremia and cerebral salt wasting, including how early fluid-restriction practices shaped outcomes. The conversation also explores building a new specialty, the role of neurologists in the ICU, the history of medicine and "neuro cinema," as well as compassion fatigue and the future of global neurocritical care. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.