Bridging the Gap: A Narrative Review of the Essential Role of Occupational Therapists in Sensory Stimulation for Comatose Traumatic Brain Injury Patients

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently results in prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC). Although sensory stimulation is a recognized early intervention, the specific contribution of occupational therapists (OTs) remains underexplored. This narrative review evaluates the efficacy of sensory stimulation in patients with TBI-related DOC, with a focus on comparing OT-led interventions with those delivered by other caregivers. A narrative review of 13 studies published between 2015 and 2025 was conducted, examining interventions across acute and rehabilitation settings involving various sensory modalities. Findings suggest that sensory stimulation, regardless of provider, may improve levels of consciousness as measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). Limited evidence from a single OT-led study indicates the potential for additional functional gains associated with structured and individualized multimodal sensory stimulation. While non-specialized stimulation appears effective in enhancing basic arousal, occupational therapy may contribute through a more graded, individualized approach that supports emerging functional responsiveness. Integrating occupational therapy expertise into sensory stimulation protocols may contribute to improving the quality and functional relevance of interventions. However, current evidence remains limited, and future research should prioritize well-designed studies to develop and validate standardized OT-led multimodal protocols and establish clearer clinical guidelines.