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[Dog-based multi-sensorial therapy of a patient with a "persistent vegetative state"--a case report]
S Bardl1, M Bardl, M E Kornhuber
1Bardl & Dietrich GbR, Saalekreis.
Die Rehabilitation
|November 13, 2013
Summary
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) can improve reactions in patients with severe brain injuries. This case study suggests AAT may be a viable treatment option, challenging traditional diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) shows promise for cognitive disorders.
- Severe cerebral lesions often result in profound functional deficits.
Observation:
- A 27-year-old patient in a persistent vegetative state for 5 years post-traumatic brain injury underwent 54 AAT sessions.
- The patient exhibited increasing vegetative, emotional, and motor responses during therapy.
Findings:
- Motor reactions became target-bound, enabling rudimentary non-verbal communication.
- AAT interventions led to observable improvements in patient responsiveness.
Implications:
- AAT may be a valuable therapeutic option for individuals with severe brain injuries.
- The study questions the sole reliance on neurological assessments for diagnosing states like persistent vegetative state.
- Multisensory stimulation from AAT could explain its positive impact.
