title: Disorders of Consciousness.
abstract: Disorder of consciousness (DOC) is a state of prolonged altered consciousness, which can be categorized into coma, vegetative state, or minimally conscious state based on neurobehavioral function. The pathophysiology of DOC is poorly understood but recent advances in neuroimaging and advanced electrophysiological techniques may provide an improved understanding for the neural network involved with consciousness. The primary aim of DOC rehabilitation programs is to promote arousal while preventing secondary medical complications while providing education and training to families. Treatment interventions include both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic programs, but there are currently no consensus treatment guidelines for individuals with DOC.
authors.affiliation: Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, 7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA. Electronic address: blessen.eapen2@va.gov.
authors.forename: Blessen C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Eapen
authors.affiliation: Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, 201 Pleasant Hill Road, Chester, NJ 07830, USA.
authors.forename: Jason
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Georgekutty
authors.affiliation: Polytrauma Rehabilitation Center, South Texas Veterans Healthcare System, 7400 Merton Minter, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Subbarao
authors.affiliation: Traumatic Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, 480 Medical Center Drive, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Sheital
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bavishi
authors.affiliation: Department of PM&R, Virginia Commonwealth University, US Department of Veterans Affairs, VA/DoD Chronic Effects of NeuroTrauma Consortium, 1223 E. Marshall Street, P.O. Box 980677, Richmond, Virginia 23284-0667, USA.
authors.forename: David X
authors.initials: DX
authors.lastname: Cifu
mesh_terms: D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000150:complications*; D003128:Coma / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003243:Consciousness; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D059906:Neuroimaging; D018458:Persistent Vegetative State / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation
keywords: Coma; Disorder of consciousness; Minimally conscious state; Rehabilitation; Traumatic brain injury; Vegetative state