The effectiveness of directed multisensory stimulation versus non-directed stimulation in comatose CHI patients: pilot study of a single subject design.

In view of the difficulties in finding control groups in sensory stimulation research, a single case methodology was explored. A pilot study was conducted on six comatose CHI patients in a neurosurgical intensive care unit. Each patient was given alternating weeks of directed multisensory stimulation (SDS) and non-directed stimulation (NDS) for half an hour a day in an ABAB single subject design. Eye movement, motor and vocal response to stimulation were recorded using the Sensory Stimulation Assessment Measure (Rader Scale). Comparisons of eye movement and motor responses on the Rader Scale appeared to indicate a greater degree of responsiveness to the SDS as compared with the NDS treatment. Overall improvement levels on the GCS, Rancho Scale and Western Neurosensory Stimulation Profile are discussed. The results are interpreted as indicative of the potential value of using single case methodology in this population, and future research directions are also discussed.