Presentation: Sensory Stimulation and Consciousness

Coma is a disease-induced altered state (brain injury, stroke, or infection)

Acute coma is less than 2 weeks, Subacute coma is more than 2 weeks but less than three months

Family member familiar voices study:

• Acute subdermal hematoma patientas

• Listened to mp3 audio files of familiar family members for 10 days

• Positive correlation between level of consciousness and hearing family voices

Tactile stimulation study:

• Previous research shows that it’s the best way to awaken someone in deep sleep, decided to see the case with coma patients

• Soft brush (pleasant stimulation)

  • Decrease in theta power - suggesting partial sensory awareness

• Hard brush (unpleasant stimulation)

  • No decrease in theta power

Music therapy study

• raised awareness - regained consciousness