International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access
ISSN: 2329-9096
ISSN: 2329-9096
Department of Physical Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, USA
Review Article
Coma, Vegetative State, and Minimally Conscious State Distinguishing Disorders of Consciousness
Author(s): Craig H Lichtblau*, Scott Raffa, Kaveh Assadi, Christopher Warburton, Gabrielle Meli and Allyson Gorman
Disorders of consciousness can be difficult to diagnose, but distinguishing specific disorders of consciousness is
critical for gaining insight into prognosis and optimizing care. Specifically, understanding the realities related to
patients’ pain perception and abilities to communicate is key to minimizing suffering and determining the care path.
Here we discuss the specific levels of consciousness as they pertain to coma, vegetative state, and minimally conscious
state and provide information on prognosis, life expectancy, and the care required for each of these disorders of
consciousness... View More»
DOI:
10.35248/2329-9096.23.11.675