ICU syndrome exists, and is often diagnosed, but the notion that there
are long term (0r even short-term) health consequences has NEVER been
sustained in the medical literature.
ICU syndrome is a state of disorientation, altered mental status or
near psychosis that occurs in ICU patients. This happens in long term
ICU patients especially.
The causes are not all that hard to understand. Most ICU patients are
restrained. They have multiple IV tubes, central lines, monitors, and
many are intubated and on a ventilator. Many require large doses of
pain medication and a few require paralysis to kee them safe in the
ICU. And, MOST ICU patients are either severely injured or VERY sick.
Thus, even a very HEALTHY person would get a bit "flaky" mentally if
restrained and drugged under similar circumstances. Defense
Department studies concerning sensory deprivation alone have
documented as much.
The mental status changes are unfortunate, but are often unavoidable
in those requireing hospitalization in the ICU. AND, for the VAST
majority of ICU patients, ICU syndrome resolves on its own. As the
patient improves physically, the mental status improves as well. The
stonger narcotics and other medications are withdrawn. And the
patient generally is transferred from the ICU to a standard medical
bed on a patient floor. Altered mental status can often be cause for
keeping the patient in the I.C.U. ---- but if this happens, "I.C.U.
Syndrome" is NOT an acceptable diagnosis. A medical cause for the
mental status changes has to be found.
If you are trying to sue someone or a hospital for "ICU syndrome,"
don't waste your time. The diagnosis itself is not well regarded in
medical circles. And if the "syndrome" does not resolve on its own as
the patient improves, some OTHER cause must be medically investigated
and diagnosed as being the underlying etiology.
Don't bother suing on this. ONE medical expert testifying for the
defense will blow your entire case out of the water.
There HAS to be another diagnosis linked to specific, identifyable
medical malpractice. There has to be a tort to get your suit started.
There has to be a medical wrong to sustain your case.
Suing over "ICU Syndrome" is like suing a hospital because you feel
BADly after having been admitted to the hospital for a heart attack.
If you feel bad in the hospital, its because you are SICK!
The medical literature will support my assertions here. The legal
case law will support this as well. That is, if you can find any case
law dealing with something so ridiculous.
Dr. Deftly
My professional advice: don't waste your money.
Dr. Deftly |
