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Vegetative states--an integrative approach.

Elad Schiff1, Yoon-Hang Kim, Victoria Maizes

  • 1Program in Integrative Medicine, College of Medicine Tucson, Arizona, USA.

Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
|February 17, 2005
PubMed
Summary
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An integrative approach to vegetative state (VS) is challenging. Evidence for conventional and alternative therapies, like nutritional support, acupuncture, and homeopathy, shows potential but requires individualized treatment plans due to VS complexity.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Integrative Medicine

Background:

  • The vegetative state (VS) presents significant challenges in patient care and treatment.
  • Understanding and managing VS requires exploring diverse therapeutic modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence for conventional and alternative therapies for patients in a vegetative state.
  • To assess the potential of these therapies in supporting patients, aiding family interaction, and potentially shortening VS duration.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of therapies with available data on MEDLINE or conceptual potential.
  • Focus on therapies with a reasonable risk/benefit ratio.

Main Results:

  • Nutritional support, acupuncture, and homeopathy show promise with a reasonable risk/benefit ratio.

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  • An individualized approach is recommended due to the complexity of VS, considering patient comorbidities and preferences.
  • Many alternative therapies (herbal medicine, mind-body, energy medicine, shamanism) lack sufficient evidence for inclusion.

    • Conclusions:

    • An individualized, rather than a universal, integrative protocol is advised for vegetative state management.
    • Further research is essential to develop effective treatment strategies for VS.
    • The subjective experience of patients in VS remains a profound mystery, necessitating a philosophical approach of treating them as aware.