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.