Neurorecovery Clinic: Advanced Techniques for Functional Recovery and PICS Management

Neurorecovery Clinic Overview

The Neurorecovery Clinic works with various institutions to improve neurorecovery. Key partners include Massachusetts General Hospital, the University of Maryland, and the University of Connecticut/Hartford Hospital.

Recovery Methods

1. Functional Recovery

   • Functional recovery involves regaining lost abilities from injury or illness. This includes physical skills like walking and talking, as well as mental skills such as thinking and remembering.

2. Screening for Post-ICU Syndrome (PICS)

   • Post-ICU Syndrome is a collection of issues that can occur after a severe illness and ICU stay. Symptoms include:
     • Physical: Muscle weakness, fatigue, breathing difficulties.
     • Mental: Trouble thinking, concentrating, and remembering.
     • Emotional: Anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
   • PICS can hinder daily life, but treatments are available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

3. Personalized Prognosis

   • A personalized prognosis predicts a patient’s future health based on individual factors. Key factors include:
     • Age
     • Overall health
     • Severity of the illness
     • Response to treatment
     • Lifestyle choices (smoking, diet, exercise)
   • This tailored approach allows for more accurate predictions for each patient.
4. Palliative Care
   • When full recovery isn’t possible, palliative care focuses on improving the patient’s quality of life through various medical treatments.

Expertise

Dr. Julia Carlson leads the clinic. She is a certified neurologist specializing in neurocritical care. Her background includes experience with severe neurological injuries during her residency at Johns Hopkins Hospital and training at Harvard. Dr. Carlson provides care for patients post-ICU, assesses recovery potential, and collaborates with UNC specialists in various therapies.

Partners

The clinic collaborates with:

• UNC Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R): Offers a range of care including acute care, outpatient rehabilitation, and specialized brain injury rehabilitation.
• UNC Neurosurgery: Provides advanced surgical services for various neurological conditions.

Patient Referral

Patients should request referrals directly to the Neurorecovery Clinic. Providers should specify Dr. Julia Carlson in their referral.

• For Providers with UNC CareLink Access: Referrals can be submitted online.
• For Other Providers: Complete the referral form and fax it to (984) 974-5437.

For more information on the referral process, visit the Referring Provider Resources page.