888.298.HOPE

News

By On July 10th, 2006

Differences in Coma, PVS, Minimally Conscious & Locked-In Syndrom

Ever wonder what the differences are between coma, persistent vegetative state, minimally conscious state, and locked-in syndrome?

Here’s an excellent chart that outlines the various characteristics of each condition. As Jake Young at Pure Pedantry eloquently puts it:

“To emphasize the point, there is a huge area of difference between someone who has essentially only the housekeeping functions in the brain and someone who — for reasons metabolic or traumatic — comes in and out of consciousness intermittently. It is very unfortunate that Terry Wallis was misdiagnosed in this case, because the prognosis for individuals with minimally conscious state — while not fabulous — is much better than for a persistent vegetative state.”

Click here to read his great explanation on the appeal of the Terry Wallis case.

Leave a Reply

Logo Logo Logo

©2024 Neurologic Rehabilitation Institute. All Rights Reserved.