Post hoc analyses included within-group control group comparisons according to the actual use or no use of stress dose hydrocortisone (300 mg /day for a maximum of 7 days followed by gradual taper) by attending physicians. Also, patients without "crossover" of the control group were compared to patients of the VSE group. Lastly, following a relative suggestion by the Data Monitoring Committee, we attempted to determine the 1 year survival with good neurological recovery; for this purpose, survivors of both groups (and/or their families) were contacted / interviewed through telephone communication; this was followed by in-person interview/examination of the survivors.