Neurorehabilitation for Disorders of Consciousness: How Different Approaches May Help Recovery

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This ambispective observational study follows patients with vegetative state or minimally conscious state to explore how advanced neurorehabilitation approaches affect arousal, awareness, communication, and autonomy. It evaluates multimodal sensory stimulation, non-invasive brain stimulation (TMS or tDCS), and augmentative/alternative communication with eye-tracking as a combined strategy. Data will be collected from a single center to correlate neurophysiological, neuroimaging, and biological markers with clinical outcomes. The aim is to understand mechanisms of recovery and identify factors associated with better responses beyond standard care. The study recognizes the diagnostic challenges in DOC and seeks to improve measurement of residual consciousness using objective biomarkers alongside behavioural assessment.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of VS/MCS following ABI, according to clinical and neuroradiological findings.
* Age between 18 and 90 years.
* Adequate pulmonary gas exchange function (PaO₂ / FiO₂ ratio ≥ 250).
* Stable haemodynamic profile (absence of significant arterial variations in mean arterial pressure and/or heart rate).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of DOC due to non-structural aetiopathogenesis.
* Having previously undergone multiple rehabilitation cycles
* Being affected by deafness and/or blindness
* Having unstable intracranial pressure values
* Having cerebral perfusion values below 60 mmHg
* Having other concomitant medical conditions that could interfere with the rehabilitation

Where it's running

• IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino-Pulejo
  Messina, Sicily, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Davide Cardile, Psychologist — IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo
• Study coordinator: Davide Cardile, Psychologist
• Email: davide.cardile@irccsme.it
• Phone: 090 6012 8417

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.