Treatment can't ensure recovery from a state of impaired consciousness. Read more about diagnosing disorders of consciousness. ![]() These examinations need to be carried out by someone experienced in disorders of consciousness, although the views of other healthcare professionals and family members should also be taken into consideration.įor some states of impaired consciousness, such as vegetative state and minimally conscious state, there are recommended criteria to help confirm a diagnosis. Making a diagnosisĪ disorder of consciousness will only be confirmed after extensive testing to determine the person's level of wakefulness and awareness. Read more about the causes of disorders of consciousness. progressive brain damage – where the brain is gradually damaged over time (for example, because of Alzheimer's disease).non-traumatic brain injury – where the injury to the brain is caused by a health condition, such as a stroke.traumatic brain injury – the result of a severe head injury, such as an injury sustained during a car accident or a fall from a great height.These types of brain injury can be divided into: Why they happenĭisorders of consciousness can occur if the parts of the brain involved with consciousness are damaged. The longer they remain in that state, the less chance they have for recovery. In most cases, a minimally conscious state isn't usually considered to be permanent until it's lasted for several months and there have been no signs of improvement.Ī person thought to be in a permanent minimally conscious state usually has the same prognosis as a person in a vegetative state. In some cases a minimally conscious state is a stage on the route to recovery, but in others it's permanent.Īs with vegetative state, a continuing minimally conscious state means it's lasted longer than 4 weeks.īut it's more difficult to diagnose a permanent minimally conscious state because it depends on things like: They may have periods where they can communicate or respond to commands, such as moving a finger when asked.Ī person may enter a minimally conscious state after being in a coma or vegetative state. Minimally conscious stateĪ person who shows clear but minimal or inconsistent awareness is classified as being in a minimally conscious state. If a person is diagnosed as being in a permanent vegetative state, recovery is extremely unlikely but not impossible. a permanent vegetative state when it's been more than 6 months if caused by a non-traumatic brain injury, or more than 12 months if caused by a traumatic brain injury.a continuing vegetative state when it's been longer than 4 weeks.If a person is in a vegetative state for a long time, it may be considered to be: They also show no signs of experiencing emotions. They're also able to regulate their heartbeat and breathing without assistance.īut a person in a vegetative state doesn't show any meaningful responses, such as following an object with their eyes or responding to voices. have basic reflexes (such as blinking when they're startled by a loud noise or withdrawing their hand when it's squeezed hard). ![]() wake up and fall asleep at regular intervals.Wakefulness is the ability to open your eyes and have basic reflexes such as coughing, swallowing and sucking.Īwareness is associated with more complex thought processes and is more difficult to assess.Ĭurrently, the assessment of awareness relies on physical responses being detected during an examination.Ī coma is when a person shows no signs of being awake and no signs of being aware.Ī person in a coma lies with their eyes closed and doesn't respond to their environment, voices or pain.Ī coma usually lasts for less than 2 to 4 weeks, during which time a person may wake up or progress into a vegetative state or minimally conscious state.Ī vegetative state is when a person is awake but is showing no signs of awareness. A disorder of consciousness, or impaired consciousness, is a state where consciousness has been affected by damage to the brain.Ĭonsciousness requires both wakefulness and awareness.
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