Brain Health Evaluations After an ICU Stay

Recovering from a serious illness can take a toll on every part of your health. In fact, after a stay in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU), you may experience cognitive, emotional, or mental health issues for weeks or months afterward.

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or just not like yourself after an ICU stay, we can help. The Henry Ford Health Post-ICU Brain Health Clinic offers specialized evaluations for adults age 55 and older who are experiencing issues.

Types of brain health issues

You may experience a variety of brain health issues after an ICU stay. It’s known as post-ICU syndrome (PICS). People with PICS may experience changes in thinking, emotion, and behavior. These issues can be serious and hard to manage, especially when they impact your day-to-day functioning or your ability to work.

Common symptoms of PICS:

Cognitive issues:

• Problems thinking or reasoning
• Trouble solving problems
• Confusion
• Difficulties making decisions
• Reduced attention span or problems concentrating
• Short-term memory loss

Psychiatric or emotional issues:

• Increased anxiety 
• Depression 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Mood swings

Behavioral changes:

• Personality changes
• Aggressiveness or irritability
• Sudden anger or concern or minor things
• Unusual sleep habits
• Apathy or lack of interest in things you used to enjoy

Caregivers and PICS

Patients are not the only ones affected by hospitalizations. Family members often fill the important role of caregiver during a loved one’s long illness. Caregivers also experience increased stress, depression, anxiety, grief, and fatigue during illness. The effects of which can last long after their family member leaves the hospital.

Diagnosing brain health issues at Henry Ford

If you are feeling anxious, depressed, or just not like yourself after being in the ICU there are steps you can take. A brain health evaluation may help uncover the source of your concerns.

At our Post-ICU Brain Health Clinic, board-certified neuropsychologists will evaluate your symptoms, diagnose your issue, and recommend treatment options. We will provide referrals to specialists if needed.

Evaluations are performed over two half-day sessions using online video visits and in our clinics in West Bloomfield or Detroit. At the end of testing, you will receive a diagnosis and personalized treatment recommendations and specialty referrals if needed.

Evaluation services are also available for caregivers age 55 and up who are experiencing ongoing issues after a loved one’s illness or hospitalization.

Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and find out if you could benefit from a brain health evaluation. For more information, call (313) 874-4846.

The Henry Ford Post-ICU Brain Health Clinic is supported by the Healthy Aging Grant provided through the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.