The duties and problems of a neurological intensive care unit are described and illustrated by our experience with a newly built intensive care unit. Indications, technical equipment, diagnostic, therapeutic, scientific, personnel and psychological aspects are pointed out and a first survey of the patients treated. An approximately equal group of seasonal acute inflammatory diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems compares with a similar one with cerebral vascular processes. The possibility of longterm electrophysiological studies using computers and trend analysis and the particular significance of CSF pressure measurements and pharmacokinetics of the CSF as scientific aspects are emphasized.