Sensory Stimulation in Coma Policy

Sensory stimulation is intended to enhance the rehabilitative potential of brain-injured individuals in a coma or vegetative state. Protocols may involve stimulation of any or all of the following senses: visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, cutaneous and kinesthetic. Protocols may involve stimulation of any or all of the following senses: visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, cutaneous, and kinesthetic. Various stimuli may be used for each sense. Protocols may differ with respect to who performs the stimulation and where. Professionals include: nurses, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and speech-language therapists. In some cases, family members may be trained in the techniques and are given primary responsibility for providing the therapy. Treatment may be delivered in the hospital, the patient's home, or a nursing home.