Tilt Table Therapies for Patients with Severe Disorders of Consciousness: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

One major aim of the neurological rehabilitation of patients with severe disorders of consciousness (DOC) is to enhance patients' arousal and ability to communicate. Mobilization into a standing position by means of a tilt table has been shown to improve their arousal and awareness. However, due to the frequent occurrence of syncopes on a tilt table, it is easier to accomplish verticalization using a tilt table with an integrated stepping device.

Time course and influence of pusher behavior on outcome in a rehabilitation setting: a prospective cohort study.

Objective: To examine the prevalence and the time course of pusher behavior (PB) among patients with hemiparesis in a rehabilitation setting and the influence of this behavior on rehabilitation outcome.

Methods: Over a 1-year period, 448 inpatients with hemiparesis after stroke and nonstroke etiologies were screened in the first week after admission to a neurological rehabilitation hospital. The Clinical Scale for Contraversive Pushing was used to differentiate pusher from nonpusher patients.

Placebo-controlled trial of amantadine for severe traumatic brain injury.

Background: Amantadine hydrochloride is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness after traumatic brain injury. Preliminary studies have suggested that amantadine may promote functional recovery.

Methods: We enrolled 184 patients who were in a vegetative or minimally conscious state 4 to 16 weeks after traumatic brain injury and who were receiving inpatient rehabilitation.

Comparison of orthostatic reactions of patients still unconscious within the first three months of brain injury on a tilt table with and without integrated stepping. A prospective, randomized crossover pilot trial.

Objective: To determine whether passive leg movement during tilt table mobilization reduces the incidence of orthostatic dysfunction in mobilization of patients being comatose or semi-comatose early after brain injury.

Design: Randomized crossover pilot trial using sequential testing.

Setting: Neurorehabilitation hospital.

Orthostatic circulatory disorders in early neurorehabilitation: a case report and management overview.

Orthostatic circulatory disorders are a common problem in the mobilization of patients with severe neurological diseases such as paraplegia, the vegetative state or the minimally conscious state. They create difficulties when mobilizing the patient out of bed. Although their incidence has not been clearly established and the severity and length of symptoms differ greatly, a relevant number of the patients in a rehabilitation unit is affected.