What is post-intensive care syndrome (PICS)?

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Patients recovering from critical illness may experience a combination of cognitive, psychological, and physical signs and symptoms that remain for months to many years after critical illness, known as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). The common symptoms of PICS include:

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• Physical Symptoms

• Breathing difficulties

• Weakness and balance problems

• Neuromuscular impairments

• Pain or numbness

• Cognitive Symptoms

• Memory difficulties

• Concentration difficulties

• Slowed mental processing

• Trouble carrying out tasks

• Psychological Symptoms

• Anxiety

• Depression

• PTSD

• Sleep problems