title: A Learning Set Up for Detecting Minimally Conscious State (MCS).
abstract: Detecting signs of learning in persons diagnosed to be in a post-coma vegetative state and minimally conscious state (MCS) may modify their diagnosis. We report the case of a 65-year-old female in a vegetative state. We used microswitch-based technology that is based on patient response to eye-blinking. We followed an ABABCB design, in which A represented baseline periods, B intervention periods with stimuli contingent on the responses, and C a control condition with stimuli presented non-contingently. We observed the level of response during the B phases was higher than the level of A and C phases. This indicated the patient showed signs of learning. This state was confirmed by an evaluation through the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRSR) score, and after completion of this study her CRSR score changed from 4 to 10. We believe microswitch technology may be useful to make a diagnosis of MCS and offer new opportunities for education to MCS patients.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Seoul 141-070, Korea.
authors: Eun Joo
authors: EJ
authors: Kim
authors: Jeong Mi
authors: JM
authors: Park
authors: Wan Ho
authors: WH
authors: Kim
authors: Kwang Lai
authors: KL
authors: Lee
authors: Han Na
authors: HN
authors: Kim
authors: Ko Eun
authors: KE
authors: Lee
authors: Jeong Joon
authors: JJ
authors: Park
authors: Kwang Ok
authors: KO
authors: Ahn