Is Sensory Stimulation Effective in Reducing Time Spent in a Coma or Vegetative State (NCT00163878) | Clinical Trial Compass
UnknownPhase 4
Is Sensory Stimulation Effective in Reducing Time Spent in a Coma or Vegetative State
AustraliaStarted 2004-11
Plain-language summary
A randomised control trial of patients who have a severe brain injury to determine if patients who receive a standardised sensory stimulation program emerge earlier from a vegetative state. The experimental group would receive, in addition to their normal occuaptional therapy, sensory stimulation which would involve the daily application of stimulation to all five senses using the Sensory Modalities Assessment and Rehabilitation Technique (SMART).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* admitted with severe brain injury
* GCS of 9 or less. A GCS score of 9 or less is indicative of a severe brain injury
* medically stable, as documented by medical staff
* age 18 to 65 years
* controlled intracranial pressure no sedation
* no previous brain injury
Exclusion Criteria
* patient declared brain dead
* next of kin withdraws patient from the study
* withdrawal of consent by patient on waking
* raised uncontrolled intracranial pressure, following discussions with treating medical team
* patient enrolled in DECRA or RSI Trials
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Patients are allocated to a level on the SMART scale every ten days, compariosns are made between the control and experimental groups