Hessisch Oldendorf

Researchers are evaluating diagnostic methods to better assess consciousness levels in patients with severe brain injury. This study focuses on improving the accuracy and feasibility of evaluating consciousness disorders, such as coma, Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome UWS, and Minimally Conscious State MCS. The study compares two behavioral assessment tools the widely used Coma Recovery Scale-Revised CRS-R and a newer, shorter tool called the Simplified Evaluation of CONsciousness Disorders SECONDs. Participants will undergo structured behavioral assessments using both the SECONDs and CRS-R tools during a neurological rehabilitation phase. The study will analyze the diagnostic consistency and clinical relevance of SECONDs compared to CRS-R, aiming to confirm whether SECONDs offers a reliable and quicker alternative for routine clinical use. The study also includes a follow-up 12 months later to evaluate long-term functional outcomes based on initial SECONDs assessments. During the study, patients will be assessed shortly after admission to rehabilitation 6-8 days using both tools. Follow-up information will be collected via structured telephone interviews with relatives or legal representatives to monitor patients functional status one year later. Researchers will measure agreement between SECONDs and CRS-R scores, diagnostic stability, prognostic value for long-term outcomes, and the practical feasibility of SECONDs in clinical settings.

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of passive listening to preferred music on the level of consciousness in patients with severe disorders of consciousness DOC, including coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, or minimally conscious state. The study focuses on patients undergoing early neurological rehabilitation after severe brain damage, where auditory responses are more accessible to measure than motor or visual responses. Music therapy may help restore brain networks and emotional responses, potentially improving consciousness levels. Previous studies have shown mixed results, so this study compares music therapy with other auditory stimulations and no stimulation. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups listening to preferred music, an audio book, or silence through headphones for 30 minutes daily over 28 days. Before this intervention, a preliminary phase of 3 to 7 days includes MRI scans, consciousness assessments using the Coma-Recovery-Scale-Revised CRS-R, and neurophysiological tests. After the intervention phase, a follow-up period of 1 to 3 days repeats these assessments to measure changes. Throughout the study, consciousness levels are evaluated weekly using the CRS-R to track progress. The main outcome is improvement in consciousness after 4 weeks, with additional brain connectivity changes measured via MRI. Patients are monitored closely with brain scans, neurophysiological exams, and clinical assessments during their maximum 38-day participation. This controlled, double-blind study is conducted at one center and sponsored by BDH-Klinik Hessisch Oldendorf.

This research aims to explore the long-term effects on memory and brain structure in patients who have experienced aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage aSAH. It focuses on understanding if the common memory problems observed after aSAH are linked to shrinkage of the hippocampus, a key brain area involved in memory. The study addresses a gap where memory deficits appear even without clear brain damage on standard imaging. Participants include neurological rehabilitation patients with aSAH of mild to moderate severity Hunt & Hess grade I or II within 24 months after their event. Early after enrollment, participants undergo a high-resolution MRI scan to measure hippocampal volume and receive detailed neuropsychological testing to assess memory and attention function. The study also includes a comparison group of healthy adults matched by age, gender, and education. Throughout the study, detailed brain imaging and cognitive tests are performed to measure changes in hippocampal size and memory abilities around two weeks after enrollment. Researchers will examine how therapy types and specific brain lesion locations influence these outcomes. The study monitors data quality carefully and assesses interrater reliability to ensure accurate measurement. Participation may last over a period that includes initial MRI and neuropsychological assessments during neurological rehabilitation.

Researchers are investigating the relationship between magnesium levels in the blood and cognitive function in adult stroke patients. Cognitive impairments such as memory loss, word-finding difficulties, and problems with orientation and perception are common after stroke. This study focuses on understanding whether low magnesium levels contribute to these cognitive issues, comparing different types of stroke and analyzing stroke severity alongside cognitive outcomes. The study includes stroke patients admitted to a stroke unit. Researchers will measure magnesium concentration in the blood and assess stroke severity using scales like the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Scandinavian Stroke Scale, and modified Rankin Scale. Cognitive abilities will be tested within the first three days using the Klner Neuropsychologische Screening and the Mini Mental Status Test. These assessments and measurements will be repeated at 4 weeks, 3 months, and at the end of the study, which may last up to six months or until discharge from the clinic. Participants will undergo multiple evaluations including blood tests for magnesium, stroke severity scales, and cognitive testing over several months. If the patient receives an MRI scan, their attention network will also be measured. Researchers will track changes in magnesium levels and cognition over time, aiming to identify correlations between magnesium concentration, stroke severity, and cognitive function. The study also monitors complications and length of hospital stay to better understand recovery processes.

This research aims to identify factors that predict medium and long-term recovery outcomes for patients with disorders of consciousness undergoing early neurological rehabilitation. It focuses on patients with severe brain injuries such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, who remain in altered states of consciousness like coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, or minimally conscious state. The study is prospective and observational, enrolling 130 patients over 36 months to better understand the prognosis and treatment options based on detailed patient assessments. Patients admitted to intensive care units after severe brain injury will be observed without any intervention, as this is an observational study. Routine clinical data, disease severity, and functional status will be recorded at study entry. Within the first week, MRI scans, EEGs, and evoked potentials will be measured and then repeated after eight weeks. The level of consciousness will be regularly assessed weekly using the Coma-Recovery-Scale-Revised. Follow-up evaluations with the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Revised will occur at 3, 6, and 12 months to track progress. Participants will undergo weekly assessments of consciousness level, functional status, and monitoring for complications or other health conditions. Researchers will use these measurements to evaluate changes in functional status and consciousness over time, with a focus on outcomes at eight weeks. The study includes detailed imaging and electrophysiological tests to support these evaluations. Total participation may last up to a year with follow-ups to monitor recovery and outcomes, ensuring comprehensive data collection on neurological rehabilitation progress.