Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in acute neurologic disorders.

Mechanical ventilation and endotracheal intubation has raised concerns due to risk of infectious complications. Noninvasive ventilation is becoming the preferred method of ventilatory treatment. Neurologists should be aware of such devices as the bilevel positive airway pressure ventilator, as it helps to reduce respiratory distress and improve gas exchange without major complications or significant side effects. The device is small and easy to use, and may become increasingly popular in the treatment of patients with acute neurologic disease and respiratory failure.