Publications by authors named "W F van Erp"
Article Synopsis
- - This study focused on understanding the medical complications that patients with minimally conscious state (MCS) experience and how these complications affect decisions about their care.
- - Out of 32 MCS patients, common complications included hypertonia/spasticity and pneumonia, with the majority having curative treatment goals, although some faced challenges due to disagreements with family or medical instability.
- - The findings highlight that medical complications are frequent in MCS patients, complicating decision-making, and suggest the need for specialized care and further research in this area.
Ann Phys Rehabil Med
June 2024
Article Synopsis
- Advances in medical care have led to more survivors of severe brain injuries experiencing prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC), and early intensive neurorehabilitation (EIN) is recommended for better recovery outcomes.
- A study evaluated the effectiveness of a nationwide EIN program in the Netherlands, finding that 68% of participants improved to at least a minimal conscious state, with 44% fully regaining consciousness, although 6% died during the program.
- Despite frequent medical complications (with 30% requiring hospital readmission), most participants experienced little to no pain, and there was a reduction in cardiovascular medication and analgesics by 15%.
Article Synopsis
- Zolpidem can trigger brief and impressive improvements in brain functions for some patients with severe brain injury, especially when paired with deep brain stimulation (DBS).
- This study focused on a patient whose motivation and arousal were improved through DBS treatment targeting a specific brain area, resulting in significant functional gains like communication and mobility.
- Findings showed that DBS reduces excessive brain connectivity, suggesting that less connectivity could enhance cognitive function post-injury, providing insights for future therapies.
Brain Impair
September 2023
Article Synopsis
- The text outlines the objective of updating the 'Post-acute Level Of Consciousness scale' (PALOC-s) to reflect current scientific knowledge about consciousness levels.
- Developed 20 years ago, the original scale helps track the progress of unconscious young patients during rehab, but advances in understanding necessitate changes in terminology and structure.
- The revised scale, now called PALOC-sr, is ready for clinical use and should be validated for effective application in future research.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to determine the prevalence of patients in a minimally conscious state (MCS) in the Netherlands, focusing on data from hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and nursing homes as of September 15, 2021.
- A total of 70 patients were reported, with 32 confirmed in MCS, primarily due to traumatic brain injuries; the prevalence rate calculated was 0.2-0.3 cases per 100,000 people.
- Findings highlighted that many patients had received specialized rehabilitation, with common signs of consciousness including visual tracking and responsive movements.*
