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Possible mechanisms of "vegetative state".
Acta Neurochirurgica. Supplementum
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Severity in vegetative states requires assessing both remaining and deficient brain functions. This includes arousal, cortical integration, and awareness levels in disconnected central brain activity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Clinical Assessment
Background:
- The vegetative state (VS), now termed disorder of consciousness (DoC), presents diagnostic challenges.
- Current assessments may not fully capture the spectrum of residual neurological function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a refined framework for scaling the severity of vegetative states.
- To incorporate both intact and impaired integrative functions of arousal and cortical systems.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of existing DoC assessment models.
- Integration of neurophysiological concepts related to brain connectivity and awareness.
Main Results:
- A proposed scaling model considers residual arousal and cortical functions.
- It accounts for a 'central brain' operating with partial disconnection, wakefulness, but no awareness.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive severity scale for vegetative states should evaluate remaining and deficient integrative functions.
- This approach may improve the nuanced understanding and clinical evaluation of disorders of consciousness.