Innovative sensory input for the comatose brain-injured patient

Coma following brain injury may last days or months and is associated with decreased quality of life for survivors and families. One intervention postulated to improve coma recovery is sensory stimulation. This article critically examines current theoretical perspectives and empirical data related to sensory stimulation, discusses the usefulness of sensory stimulation programs (SSP) in critical care settings, and poses strategies for implementation of an SSP. Future directions for nursing practice and research also are addressed.