Vegetative state, minimally conscious state, akinetic mutism and Parkinsonism as a continuum of recovery from disorders of consciousness: an exploratory and preliminary study

The aim of this study was to review the usefulness of clinical and instrumental evaluation in individuals with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Thirteen subjects with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) and a diagnosis of DOC were evaluated using the Coma Recovery Scale in its revised version (CRS-R...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Functional neurology 2011-01, Vol.26 (1), p.15-24
Main Authors: Formisano, Rita, D'Ippolito, Mariagrazia, Risetti, Monica, Riccio, Angela, Caravasso, Chiara Falletta, Catani, Sheila, Rizza, Federica, Forcina, Antonio, Buzzi, Maria Gabriella
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Akinetic Mutism - physiopathology
Brain Injuries - complications
Brain Injuries - physiopathology
Coma - diagnosis
Coma - physiopathology
Consciousness - classification
Consciousness Disorders - diagnosis
Consciousness Disorders - etiology
Consciousness Disorders - physiopathology
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neuropsychological Tests - standards
Parkinsonian Disorders - physiopathology
Persistent Vegetative State - diagnosis
Persistent Vegetative State - physiopathology
Recovery of Function
Reproducibility of Results
Trauma Severity Indices
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Summary:The aim of this study was to review the usefulness of clinical and instrumental evaluation in individuals with disorders of consciousness (DOC). Thirteen subjects with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) and a diagnosis of DOC were evaluated using the Coma Recovery Scale in its revised version (CRS-R) and a new global disability index, the Post-Coma Scale (PCS). These instruments were administered both by a neutral examiner (professional) and by a professional in the presence of a caregiver. All patients were also scored using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). A statistically significant correlation between CRS-R and PCS was demonstrated. However, there also emerged significant differences in responsiveness between professional versus caregiver+professional assessment using the two scales. The emotional stimulation provided by significant others (caregivers) during administration of DOC evaluation scales may improve the assessment of responsiveness.
ISSN:0393-5264
1971-3274