Acute Care Neuroconsultation and Neurorehabilitation Management

This book is a comprehensive resource on acute neurorehabilitation consultations. When a patient first undergoes a traumatic brain or acquired spinal cord injury, an immediate consultation is needed with a rehabilitation specialist. In-depth literature reviews, practice guidelines, and case studies offer in-depth, practical coverage of the complete neurorehabilitation consultation with information on specific testing tools and metrics. The acute care consultant works in concert with other physicians and medical professionals, so throughout the text considerations on how to best organize the team to maximize care is carefully considered. Chapters also explore acute neurological sequelae, including arousal and stimulation, sleep, agitation, spasticity, and seizure prevention, for which an acute care consultant could provide important insight, treatment, and future management recommendations. The book concludes with advice on how to best transition patients from acute to long-term care, including patient prognostication and family education. This is an ideal guide for physiatrists and neurologists aiming to maximize recovery outcomes for their patients.

Amy K. Wagner, MD, is Professor and Vice Chair for Faculty Development in the Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the University of Pittsburgh, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Neuroscience. She has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She is a leading researcher in the development of personalized rehabilitation treatment using biomarkers and biologics. She has spent 23 years as an acute care neurorehabilitation consultant for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and serves as the Director for the UPMC Brain Injury Medicine Clincal Fellowship Program.

Justin Weppner, DO, is an Assistant Professor and Section Chief of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Dr. Weppner’s clinical interests lie in the application of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation to the acute care setting, with a primary focus on maximizing early function and rehabilitation for individuals with acquired brain injury. As the medical director of the Carilion Clinic Brain Injury Center, he oversees the comprehensive care provided to patients with acquired brain injury, ensuring continuity from acute care through the continuum of care.