Using Olfactory Stimulation to Predict Neurological Outcomes in Adults with Disorders of Consciousness in the ICU

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether the response to smells, called the sniff response, can help predict neurological outcomes three months after sedation withdrawal in adults in the ICU with persistent disorders of consciousness. The study compares this olfactory response with other common tests like auditory and somatosensory stimulations to see if it provides better or additional information about recovery. This observational study aims to improve prognosis predictions for patients with severe brain injuries causing consciousness disorders. Participants are adult ICU patients who will undergo non-invasive neurophysiological tests involving olfactory, auditory, and somatosensory stimulations at the bedside. The olfactory stimulation is added specifically to assess prognosis. The study group includes patients with persistent disorders of consciousness after sedation withdrawal. There are no experimental treatments instead, the focus is on diagnostic testing and monitoring. During the study, participants will be followed up three months after inclusion to assess their clinical, neurological, and functional status. The main outcome measured is the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended GOS-E score at three months, which evaluates recovery level. Researchers will track responses from all stimulations to compare their ability to predict outcomes. The total participation involves initial assessments in the ICU and a follow-up evaluation at three months.

Consciousness Prognosis Evaluation Using Olfactory Stimulations in Comatose Patients)