Outcomes of Neurorehabilitation Amongst Patients with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness

Abstract

Abstract Background: Less is known about the impact of Neurorehabilitation on patients with Prolonged Disorder of Consciousness. We assessed the Range of Motion, Muscle Girth and Power, Level of Consciousness, Development of Deformity, and Superficial Sensation. Methods: A record-based study was done, including the data of patients diagnosed with prolonged disorder of consciousness who were admitted at the Long-term Rehabilitation Center-Thumbay Hospital, Ajman UAE, between 2020-2022. Data on the “Range of Motion”, “Muscle Girth and Power”, “Level of Consciousness”, “Development of Deformity”, and “Superficial Sensation” were collected and analysed. SPSS software version 27 was used for analysis. The Chi-square test was used to assess association, and the t-test was used to test the mean difference. Results: We assessed the data of 21 patients with a prolonged disorder of consciousness. The Superficial sensation had a significant increment (p<0.025). There was a decrease in the proportion of patients with deformities during the follow-up period. The Range of Motion, Muscle Girth, and Muscle Power were also preserved without significant deterioration. However, the level of consciousness measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) showed no improvement. Conclusions: Our research showed that neurorehabilitation has a significant impact on improving superficial sensation and in the prevention of the development of deformities. However, the mean level of consciousness remained the same. There was also no decrease in the Range of Motion. The Muscle girth and power both were preserved over the course of 2 years.