[Communication on awakening]

When Thomas and Karin come to reeducation center after intensive care unit, they appeared in the same medical conditions. However, after a four month stay at awakening center, one will awake and recover exchanges and verbal communication while the other will develop a vegetative state, classically called "chronic". Some questions flow from these two cases: What is awakening? When can we talk about awakening? Every one, according to personal practice, has a different way to approach this phase. And that is why this concept is very difficult to define. During how much time can we talk about awakening stage? From when can we consider that patient has reached a chronic vegetative state?