title: [Early stimulation, a component of an early rehabilitation treatment concept on the neurosurgical intensive care unit].
abstract: Restitution or improvement of impaired brain function following severe head trauma essentially depends on immediate and systematic application of adequate rehabilitation measures. In an collaborative study of the University of Cologne Rehabilitation Centre and Clinic for Neurosurgery, the question is investigated whether early-onset stimulation therapy might have a favourable effect on the course of recuperation, including possible acceleration in regaining consciousness. For 60 minutes at least twice a day, auditory, tactile, olfactory, visual, gustatory and kinesthetic stimulation is administered to the patient, under medical supervision and with the help of nursing personnel, physiotherapists and the patient's family. In order to record the patient's reactions to these stimuli, heart rate, frequency of respiration, skin resistance, and muscle activity are measured and the patient's behaviour is observed using standardized assessment instruments.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitationszentrum der Universität zu Köln.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lippert-Grüner
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Quester
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Terhaag
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002543:Cerebral Hemorrhage / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004434:Early Ambulation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome