This is a randomized and controlled pilot study investigating the effects of intensive emotional stimulation with neurological waves (INES) on cognitive-motor functions in patients diagnosed with Vegetative State (VS) and Minimally Conscious State (MCS) following severe brain injury. The study aims to enroll at least 20 patients aged between 18 and 65 over 18 months. Patients will be recruited from the Neurorehabilitation Unit of Piedmont Hospital, IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo in Messina. The experimental group will receive multisensory stimulation using Neurowave (INES) for four weeks, five days a week, 45 minutes per session. The control group will undergo a traditional multisensory stimulation program. Enrollment will use simple random sampling to minimize bias. Caregivers will provide biographical information, and both groups will be monitored using event-related potentials. Clinical scales will evaluate cognitive-motor outcomes at different time points. The study includes a one-month follow-up to assess long-term results. Data will be collected and exported for statistical analysis.
Age range
16 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
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A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Cognitive-Motor Functional Improvement Score
Timeframe: clinical and psychometric scales will be administered to patients before starting sensory stimulation treatment (time T0), at the end of the stimulation cycle after 4 weeks (time T1), and one month after T1 (follow-up - Time T2).
Examine Short and Long-Term Efficacy
Timeframe: clinical and psychometric scales will be administered to patients before starting sensory stimulation treatment (time T0), at the end of the stimulation cycle after 4 weeks (time T1), and one month after T1 (follow-up - Time T2).