A person with traumatic brain injury scores a 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale. What should the occupational therapist use to initiate intervention?

A score of 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale indicates a significant level of impaired consciousness and responsiveness, placing the individual in a condition that may require more focused and structured interventions. Sensory stimulation is particularly appropriate in this context, as it aims to elicit responses from individuals who have limited communication and awareness of their environment.

This type of intervention can involve various sensory modalities, such as touch, sound, sight, and smell, to stimulate the individual's senses and promote engagement. Sensory stimulation can help increase arousal levels, improve consciousness, or enhance the person's ability to respond—crucial factors when working with someone at this level of consciousness.

While other options, like verbal feedback, occupational tasks, or task-oriented activities, are beneficial in different contexts, they may be beyond the capabilities of a person who scores a 6 on the Glasgow Coma Scale. These latter approaches typically require a level of cognitive function and responsiveness that the individual may not yet possess, making sensory stimulation the most suitable choice for initiating intervention.