Overview
Speaking valve seems to have a beneficial influence on breathing and secretion management in certain patients with tracheostomy.
The investigators plan to use a speaking valve during respiratory physical therapy sessions in participants with disturbances of consciousness, who have a tracheostomy, with no need of a mechanical ventilation.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- brain injury (traumatic/non-traumatic).
- tracheostomy.
- unresponsive wakefulness syndrome or minimally conscious state.
- fiber optic examination as follows: good mobilization of the vocal cords. No airway granulation, MarianJoy scale score: 1-3.
- the legal guardian speaks Hebrew.
Exclusion Criteria:
- airway stenosis / inflammation.
- oxygen saturation <90%.