Disorders of Consciousness

Levi Weitzel1, Sheital Bavishi2

  • 1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ohio State University College of Medicine, 370 W 9th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Summary

This review covers disorders of consciousness (DoC) after acquired brain injury, including assessment, neuroimaging, and rehabilitation. It also discusses special considerations and novel neuromodulation treatments for improved patient outcomes.

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Dissociative Disorders01:27

Dissociative Disorders

Dissociative disorders represent complex psychological conditions characterized by disruptions in consciousness, memory, identity, or perception. These disruptions cause individuals to experience a disconnection from their thoughts, emotions, and memories. The phenomenon is not merely an occasional lapse in attention but a profound alteration in mental functioning that can severely impact daily life.
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Disorders of the Nervous Tissue01:28

Disorders of the Nervous Tissue

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Understanding Consciousness

Consciousness can be defined as the state of being aware of and able to think about one's existence, sensations, and surroundings. It encompasses two major components: awareness and arousal. Awareness pertains to the recognition of environmental stimuli and internal states. At the same time, arousal refers to the physiological readiness to engage with these stimuli, which varies significantly between states like sleep and wakefulness.
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Altered States of Awareness01:06

Altered States of Awareness

Altered states of consciousness represent significant deviations from one's normal mental state. These deviations can range from subtle changes in awareness to profound transformations in perception, thought processes, and sensory experiences. Altered states of consciousness can be triggered by various factors, including drug use, meditation, hypnosis, illness, or even intense fatigue.
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Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

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Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System01:18

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System

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