Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Induction of an Isoelectric Brain State to Investigate the Impact of Endogenous Synaptic Activity on Neuronal Excitability In Vivo
10:19

Induction of an Isoelectric Brain State to Investigate the Impact of Endogenous Synaptic Activity on Neuronal Excitability In Vivo

Published on: March 31, 2016

Vegetative state following coma in childhood: evolution and outcome

J D Gillies, S S Seshia

    Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology
    |October 1, 1980
    PubMed

    Insights

    Children in a vegetative state after acute illness and coma have a poor prognosis. Early indicators like decorticate responses and roving eye movements suggest limited recovery potential in pediatric patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatric Neurology
    • Neurocritical Care
    • Developmental Pediatrics

    Background:

    • The vegetative state (VS) in children, following acute illness leading to coma, presents significant challenges in predicting outcomes.
    • Understanding the long-term neurodevelopmental impact is crucial for clinical management and family support.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To analyze the prognosis and neurodevelopmental outcomes for children diagnosed with the vegetative state.
    • To identify potential early clinical indicators of the vegetative state in pediatric patients.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective analysis of data from 17 children with features of the vegetative state.
    • Assessment of causes of coma, clinical signs, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at follow-up (2 months to 5 years).

    Main Results:

    • 15 out of 17 children were under three years old.
    • Common causes of coma included diffuse anoxia/ischemia (N=12) and meningitis (N=4).
    • Seven children died; 90% of survivors had severe neurodevelopmental handicaps with no cognitive function. One child showed moderate intellectual disability.

    Conclusions:

    • Children developing a vegetative state after an acute illness and coma face a poor prognosis.
    • Decorticate/decerebrate responses, roving eye movements, and spontaneous blinking may serve as early indicators of the vegetative state in children.

    More Related Videos

    SECONDs Administration Guidelines: A Fast Tool to Assess Consciousness in Brain-injured Patients11:05

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

    Published on: February 6, 2021

    Cerebral Ischemic Coma Model Induced by Modified Four-Vessel Occlusion03:37

    Cerebral Ischemic Coma Model Induced by Modified Four-Vessel Occlusion

    Published on: July 5, 2024

    Related Concept Videos

    Stages of General Anesthesia01:22

    Stages of General Anesthesia

    Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...
    Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction01:28

    Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

    DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...
    Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology01:25

    Secondary Spinal Cord Injury llI: Pathophysiology

    Early Ischemia and Ionic ImbalanceWithin minutes of spinal cord injury, a secondary cascade begins, progressing over hours to weeks. Vascular damage reduces blood flow, causing ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction. ATP depletion leads to ion pump failure, membrane depolarization, sodium influx, potassium efflux, and water accumulation, resulting in cellular swelling. Increased intracellular calcium further disrupts mitochondria and accelerates cellular injury.Excitotoxicity and Neuronal...