Internationale Zeitschrift für Physikalische Medizin und Rehabilitation
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Coma, Vegetative State, and Minimally Conscious State Distinguishing Disorders of Consciousness

Craig H Lichtblau*, Scott Raffa, Kaveh Assadi, Christopher Warburton, Gabrielle Meli, 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.