Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) represent a complex spectrum of conditions where awareness and wakefulness are significantly impaired, often due to severe...
The primary types of DoC include coma, the vegetative state (now often referred to as Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome), and the minimally conscious state (MCS), each characterized by distinct levels of wakefulness and awareness.
DoC are typically caused by severe brain injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, cardiac arrest leading to anoxic brain injury, or severe brain infections like encephalitis.
Recovery is possible but highly variable, depending on the underlying cause, severity, and duration of the DoC. Some patients show significant improvement, especially in the early stages, while others may remain in a chronic state.
Diagnosis involves comprehensive neurological examinations, neuroimaging (MRI, CT), and specialized brain activity assessments like fMRI or PET scans to evaluate brain function and responsiveness, differentiating between the various states.