Pilot study of electrical stimulation on median nerve in comatose severe brain injured patients: 3-month outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if electrical stimulation (ES) benefits (waking time, 3-month outcomes) treated coma patients.


METHODS
Double blind randomized-controlled study.


METHODS
Ten coma patients; six treatment and four controls, using the 'Respond Select' by EMPI.


METHODS
Treatment group received radial nerve ES applied in 300 ms intermittent pulses at 40 Hz, 15-20m A 8 hours a day up to 14 days of coma; control group received sham stimulation.


RESULTS
ES group emerged from coma mean 2 days earlier than controls, although this result was not statistically significant. At 3 months post-injury, there was no group difference in Glasgow Outcome Scale, although the ES group had improved function over controls as measured by the FIM/FAM (mean of 114 and 64.5, respectively, n.s.).


CONCLUSIONS
These data show an interesting trend, although statistical power was limited in this small pilot study, suggesting the need for a larger trial.
Peri
C V
CV
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
Shaffrey
M E
ME
Farace
E
E
Cooper
E
E
Alves
W M
WM
Cooper
J B
JB
Young
J S
JS
Jane
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008475:Median Nerve; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016019:Survival Analysis; D004561:Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome