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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

SECONDs Administration Guidelines: A Fast Tool to Assess Consciousness in Brain-injured Patients

SECONDs Administration Guidelines: A Fast Tool to Assess Consciousness in Brain-injured Patients

Published on: February 6, 2021

Late recovery from post-traumatic vegetative state.

Elisa Sancisi¹, Alberto Battistini, Cristina Di Stefano

¹Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna, via Ugo Foscolo, Bologna, Italy. elisa.sancisi@unibo.it

|February 5, 2009

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Late recovery of consciousness from a vegetative state is possible, even after 19 months. This case study shows a patient achieving moderate disability and independent living after severe traumatic brain injury.

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Assessment and Communication for People with Disorders of Consciousness

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Published on: August 1, 2017

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Neurology
Traumatic Brain Injury

Background:

Late recovery of consciousness after 12 months in a vegetative state is rare and typically results in severe disability.
The prognosis for patients in a vegetative state for extended periods is generally poor.

Observation:

A 22-year-old male experienced a traumatic brain injury in December 2000, leading to a vegetative state.
Consciousness recovery occurred 19 months post-injury, followed by a 7-year period of slow motor and cognitive functional improvement.

Findings:

The patient achieved a moderate disability level, enabling independent community living.
Functional recovery included independent ambulation, speech, daily living activities, and resumption of university studies and part-time employment.

Implications:

This case challenges the notion that prolonged vegetative states preclude significant functional recovery.
Long-term rehabilitation programs and interventions like cranioplasty may play a role in unexpected late recoveries.
Highlights the potential for continued neuroplasticity and functional improvement years after severe brain injury.