Effect of Multimodal Sensory Stimulation on Consciousness and Cognitive Function for Patients with Acute Stroke.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

2 Assistant Professor of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt. and Assistant Professor of College of Nursing, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Science, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia.

3 Assistant Professor of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt

4 Lecturer of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Consciousness disorders are very serious consequences of acute stroke; therefore, patients need enough safe sensory stimuli to enhance cognitive and consciousness performance. The multimodal sensory stimulation (MMSS) program is based on the environmental effect hypothesis for brain recovery, but sensory stimulation is crucial for increasing the reticular activation system and maintaining consciousness. Aim: to assess the effect of Multimodal Sensory Stimulation (MMSS) on Consciousness and Cognitive Function for Patients with Acute Stroke. Study design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized. Setting: The study was carried out at the Neurological Intensive Care Unit at Tanta Main University Hospital, associated with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. It is prepared with two units equipped with 19 beds. Subjects:100 stroke patients were selected randomizely who satisfied all the inclusion criteria. Tools: The study employed three tools. Tool (I): Assessment tool of acute stroke patients. Tool II: Consciousness Level Assessment Tool. Tool (III):  Cognitive Functioning Scale for Rancho Los Amigos. Results :indicated significant differences in the level of consciousness and cognitive function in the study and the control groups (P<0.001*). Conclusion: Multimodal Sensory Stimulation (MMSS) substantially increased consciousness and enhanced cognitive performance in cases with acute stroke. Recommendations: integration of  Multimodal Sensory Stimulation (MMSS) into routine patient care by nurses in acute stroke and intensive care settings  particularly for those with diminished consciousness. A larger probability sample should be used to replicate the study.

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