[Topical diagnosis of comatose states]

Topical diagnosis of comatose states is based on the concept of cranio-caudal development of cerebral dysfunction. Neurological examination of comatose patients is focused on assessment of the pathophysiological cause of impaired consciousness, localization of the functional or structural cerebral disorder and on evaluation of the progression or regression of the lesion. It is based on findings from the semiology of comatose states whereby the depth of unconsciousness, evaluation of diencephalic and stem reflexes, ocular symptoms, motorics and vegetative symptoms are emphasized.