Disorders of Consciousness & Persistent Vegetative States - Chapter 5

Question 1

Disorders of Consciousness

Answer 1

• Consciousness can be assessed on the a spectrum of wakefulness/awareness
  
  • Glasgow coma scale

Question 2

Spectrum of Wakefulness/Awareness

Answer 2

Consciousness
↑
Locked-in Syndrome
↑
Minimally Conscious State
↑
Vegetative State
↑
Coma
↑
Brain Death

Question 3

Brain Death

Answer 3

Condition in which the brain stem no longer functions
- No potential for recovery

Question 4

Coma

Answer 4

Complete loss of consciousness
- Body is still aside from minor twitches
- No pupillary response

Question 5

Persistent Vegetative State (PVS)

Answer 5

A state of minimal to no consciousness
- Eyes open but do not track movement
- Normal sleep cycles
- Best hope for recovery before 6 months
- The case of Terry Shiavo

Question 6

PVS Patients

Answer 6

• Some PVS patients show signs of consciousness
• fMRI suggests comprehension of commands and mental imagery
• Misdiagnosis of vegetative state?
• Language = consciousness?