RECOVER Program

The Recovery of Consciousness Via Evidence-Based Medicine and Research (RECOVER) Program is uniquely positioned to improve care for patients experiencing disorders of consciousness resulting from brain injury.

Doctor using a digital tablet to discuss a brain scan during a consultation in her office

RECOVER Program: Reimagining care for patients with disorders of consciousness

When it comes to caring for people who have experienced disorders of consciousness after a severe, acute brain injury, Penn Medicine specialists go the extra mile to provide compassionate, long-term care. Our Recovery of Consciousness Via Evidence-Based Medicine and Research (RECOVER) Program provides specialized care and ongoing partnerships between patients with disorders of consciousness, their loved ones, and their care providers.

Disorders of consciousness include a variety of conditions, such as a coma, the vegetative state, or the minimally conscious state, and are often caused by sudden brain injury. Through a team of clinicians dedicated to caring for patients and their families, the RECOVER Program combines innovative research, focused education, and collaboration with specialists across disciplines to help improve our patients’ quality of life.

More than treatment: A combination approach for impaired consciousness

If your loved one is in a coma, the Penn Medicine care team is here to guide you and your family along every step of the way. The RECOVER Program helps patients, families, caretakers, and providers evaluate and choose the right decisions for them. This happens through an effective mix of clinical care, research, and education.

Disorders of consciousness treatment at Penn Medicine

At Penn Medicine, our goal is to improve the quality of life for people with, or recovering from, disorders of consciousness. Our care teams use the latest tools to better understand each patient’s needs. We also collaborate with experts in different fields to bring experience from multiple specialty areas. This allows us to determine the best treatment plan for each individual patient to enhance their outcome. For some patients, their plan may include medications, rehabilitation, or surgery. For other patients, it could be a combination of two or all three treatments.

We strongly believe that family participation in the care process is therapeutic, both for our patients and their families. We encourage family members to ask questions and get information from our care team because we want our patients’ families to have a complete understanding of the treatment plan.

Conditions we treat 

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