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Estraneo A, Briand MM, Noé E. Medical comorbidities in patients with prolonged disorder of consciousness: A narrative review. NeuroRehabilitation 2024; 54:61-73. [PMID: 38217620 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A few studies specifically addressed medical comorbidities (MCs) in patients with severe acquired traumatic or non-traumatic brain injury and prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC; i.e., patients in vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, VS/UWS, or in minimally conscious state, MCS). OBJECTIVE To provide an overview on incidence of MCs in patients with pDoC. METHODS Narrative review on most impacting MCs in patients with pDoC, both those directly related to brain damage (epilepsy, neurosurgical complications, spasticity, paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity, PSH), and those related to severe disability and prolonged immobility (respiratory comorbidities, endocrine disorders, metabolic abnormalities, heterotopic ossifications). RESULTS Patients with pDoC are at high risk to develop at least one MC. Moderate or severe respiratory and musculoskeletal comorbidities are the most common MCs. Epilepsy and PSH seem to be more frequent in patients in VS/UWS compared to patients in MCS, likely because of higher severity in the brain damage in VS. Endocrine metabolic, PSH and respiratory complications are less frequent in traumatic etiology, whereas neurogenic heterotopic ossifications are more frequent in traumatic etiology. Spasticity did not significantly differ between VS/UWS and MCS and in the three etiologies. MCs are associated with higher mortality rates, worse clinical improvement and can impact accuracy in the clinical diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The frequent occurrence of several MCs requires a specialized rehabilitative setting with high level of multidisciplinary medical expertise to prevent, appropriately recognize and treat them. Comprehensive rehabilitation could avoid possible progression to more serious complications that can negatively impact clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Estraneo
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Florence, Italy
| | - Marie-Michele Briand
- Research Center of Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal, CIUSSS-NÎM, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Institutde Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Québec, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Enrique Noé
- IRENEA-Instituto de Rehabilitación Neurológica, Fundación Hospitales Vithas, Valencia, Spain
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Murtaugh B, Morrissey AM, Fager S, Knight HE, Rushing J, Weaver J. Music, occupational, physical, and speech therapy interventions for patients in disorders of consciousness: An umbrella review. NeuroRehabilitation 2024; 54:109-127. [PMID: 38277314 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current clinical guidelines recommend that a multidisciplinary team inclusive of allied healthcare practitioners deliver assessment and intervention for disorders of consciousness. Allied health professionals include music, occupational, physical, and speech therapists. These allied health clinicians are challenged to select interventions due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations regarding rehabilitation interventions that support recovery of consciousness. This umbrella review synthesizes available systematic reviews (SRs) that describe occupational, speech and language, physical and/or musical therapeutic interventions for people with disorders of consciousness. OBJECTIVES Identify and summarize evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) that examine allied healthcare interventions for patients with disorders of consciousness. Additionally, this umbrella review aims to evaluate the impact of allied health interventions on recovery of consciousness, methodological quality and risk of bias for the included systematic reviews. METHODS An umbrella review was completed. The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Overview of Reviews (PRIOR) guidance. Five academic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for SRs and/or meta-analyses of allied health (i.e., music, occupational, physical, and speech therapy) interventions for disorders of consciousness. For included studies, data were extracted and quality of the SRs appraised using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2 checklist. Data extracted from each SR identified the authors and years of primary studies, interventions, comparators, and outcomes related to recovery of consciousness (i.e., neurobehavioral/cognitive), functional status, physiological response pain, and adverse events. Rehabilitation interventions were categorized and described. RESULTS Fifteen SRs were included and three of these reviews conducted meta-analyses. Identified rehabilitation interventions included: 1) sensory stimulation, 2) median nerve stimulation, 3) communication/environmental control through assistive technology, 4) mobilization, and 5) music-based therapy. SRs were published between 2002 and 2022 and included 2286 participants. Using the AMSTAR 2, the quality of reviews was critically low (k = 6), low (k = 3), moderate (k = 4), and high (k = 2). SRs within this umbrella review demonstrated significant heterogeneity in research methods and use of outcome measures to evaluate the recovery of consciousness within the primary studies. These factors influenced the ability to conduct meta-analyses. CONCLUSIONS Sensory stimulation, median nerve stimulation, music therapy and mobilization are all interventions that demonstrate some level of benefit, but current SRs fail to prove benefit through high-level quality evidence. There is an indisputable need for continued rehabilitation research to expand options for treatment modalities and to ensure that the interventions being applied to DoC rehabilitation are evidence-based to improve consciousness and recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Murtaugh
- Department of Rehabilitation Programs, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Ann-Marie Morrissey
- School of Allied Health, Ageing Research Centre, Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Susan Fager
- Communication Center, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Heather E Knight
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Pharmacy & Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jess Rushing
- Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Jennifer Weaver
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Human Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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3
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Russell ME, Hammond FM, Murtaugh B. Prognosis and enhancement of recovery in disorders of consciousness. NeuroRehabilitation 2024; 54:43-59. [PMID: 38277313 DOI: 10.3233/nre-230148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Disorders of consciousness after severe brain injury encompass conditions of coma, vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, and minimally conscious state. DoC clinical presentation pose perplexing challenges to medical professionals, researchers, and families alike. The outcome is uncertain in the first weeks to months after a brain injury, with families and medical providers often making important decisions that require certainty. Prognostication for individuals with these conditions has been the subject of intense scientific investigation that continues to strive for valid prognostic indicators and algorithms for predicting recovery of consciousness. This manuscript aims to provide an overview of the current clinical landscape surrounding prognosis and optimizing recovery in DoC and the current and future research that could improve prognostic accuracy after severe brain injury. Improved understanding of these factors will aid healthcare professionals in providing optimal care, fostering hope, and advocating for ethical practices in the management of individuals with DoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Russell
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, USA
- TIRR Memorial Hermann - The Woodlands, Shenandoah, TX, USA
| | - Flora M Hammond
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brooke Murtaugh
- Department of Rehabilitation Programs, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, USA
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Nakamura Y, Shiozaki T, Ito H, Nakao S, Ogura H, Oda J. Long-Term Outcomes Over 20 Years in Persons With Persistent Disorders of Consciousness After Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurotrauma Rep 2023; 4:805-812. [PMID: 38028278 PMCID: PMC10664559 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The long-term outcomes of patients with disorders of consciousness after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is unclear. We investigated the long-term outcomes over 20 years in patients who were in a persistent vegetative state (VS). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using a review of medical records and collected data by telephone and written interviews with patients and their families. We included patients who were treated for TBI at our hospital, between October 1996 and January 2003 and who were in a persistent VS, defined as a Disability Rating Scale (DRS) score of ≥22 at 1 month after TBI. The DRS was administered at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, and then annually out to 20 years. We evaluated their clinical course until July 2021 with the DRS. We analyzed 35 patients in a persistent VS attributable to TBI. We were able to confirm the 20-year outcomes for 26 of the 35 patients (74%); at 20 years post-TBI, 19 (54%) patients were found to be deceased and 7 (20%) were alive. Over the 20-year study period, 23 of the 35 patients (65.7%) emerged from a persistent VS. Among the 35 patients in a persistent VS at 1 month post-TBI, 20 (57%) emerged from a persistent VS within 1 year, and 3 patients (8.6%) emerged from a persistent VS after more than a year after injury. DRS scores improved up to 9 years post-injury, whereas the change in DRS scores from 10 to 20 years post-injury was within ±1 point in all patients. We found that patients with persistent VS attributable to TBI may show improvement in functional disability up to 10 years post-injury. On the other hand, no substantial improvement in functional disability was observed after the 10th year.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youhei Nakamura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Tadahiko Shiozaki
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ito
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Shunichiro Nakao
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Ogura
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| | - Jun Oda
- Department of Traumatology and Acute Critical Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
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Siegert RJ, Narayanan A, Turner-Stokes L. Prediction of emergence from prolonged disorders of consciousness from measures within the UK rehabilitation outcomes collaborative database: a multicentre analysis using machine learning. Disabil Rehabil 2023; 45:2906-2914. [PMID: 36031885 PMCID: PMC9612927 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2114017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Predicting emergence from prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) is important for planning care and treatment. We used machine learning to examine which variables from routine clinical data on admission to specialist rehabilitation units best predict emergence by discharge. MATERIALS AND METHODS A multicentre national cohort analysis of prospectively collected clinical data from the UK Rehabilitation Outcomes (UKROC) database 2010-2018. Patients (n = 1170) were operationally defined as "still in PDOC" or "emerged" by their total UK Functional Assessment Measure (FIM + FAM) discharge score. Variables included: Age, aetiology, length of stay, time since onset, and all items of the Neurological Impairment Scale, Rehabilitation Complexity Scale, Northwick Park Dependency Scale, and the Patient Categorisation Tool. After filtering, prediction of emergence was explored using four techniques: binary logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, artificial neural networks, and rule induction. RESULTS Triangulation through these techniques consistently identified characteristics associated with emergence from PDOC. More severe motor impairment, complex disability, medical and behavioural instability, and anoxic aetiology were predictive of non-emergence, whereas those with less severe motor impairment, agitated behaviour and complex disability were predictive of emergence. CONCLUSIONS This initial exploration demonstrates the potential opportunities to enhance prediction of outcome using machine learning techniques to explore routinely collected clinical data. Implications for rehabilitationPredicting emergence from prolonged disorders of consciousness is important for planning care and treatment.Few evidence-based criteria exist for aiding clinical decision-making and existing criteria are mostly based upon acute admission data.Whilst acknowledging the limitations of using proxy data for diagnosis of emergence, this study suggests that key items from the UKROC dataset, routinely collected on admission to specialist rehabilitation some months post injury, may help to predict those patients who are more (or less) likely to regain consciousness.Machine learning can help to enhance our understanding of the best predictors of outcome and thus assist with clinical decision-making in PDOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Siegert
- School of Clinical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ajit Narayanan
- School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lynne Turner-Stokes
- Department of Palliative Care, Policy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
- Regional Hyper-acute Rehabilitation Unit, Northwick Park Hospital, London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
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Murtaugh B, Shapiro Rosenbaum A. Clinical application of recommendations for neurobehavioral assessment in disorders of consciousness: an interdisciplinary approach. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1129466. [PMID: 37502093 PMCID: PMC10368884 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1129466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and subsequent rehabilitation care planning for persons with Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) has historically posed a challenge for neurological care professionals. Evidence suggests rates of misdiagnosis may be as high as 40% when informal beside evaluations are used to determine level of consciousness. The presence of myriad medical, neurological, functional (motor, sensory, cognitive) and environmental confounds germane to these conditions complicates behavioral assessment. Achieving diagnostic certainty is elusive but critical to inform care planning, clinical decision making, and prognostication. Standardized neurobehavioral rating scales has been shown to improve accuracy in distinguishing between coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state and minimally consciousness state as compared to informal assessment methods. Thus, these scales are currently recommended for use as the informal "gold standard" for diagnostic assessment in DoC. The following paper will present an evidence-based approach to neurobehavioral assessment for use in clinical practice. Strategies for optimizing assessment and aiding in identification and management of confounds that can limit diagnostic accuracy will be provided. Finally, clinical application of an interdisciplinary approach to identifying and managing confounds will be discussed and how assessment results can be used to identify trends in performance and guide prognostic counseling with families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke Murtaugh
- Department of Rehabilitation Programs, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, Lincoln, NE, United States
| | - Amy Shapiro Rosenbaum
- Department of Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Park Terrace Care Center, Queens, NY, United States
- TBI Model System, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
- Brainmatters Neuropsychological Services, PLLC, Plainview, NY, United States
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Outcome Measurement in Children With a History of Disorders of Consciousness After Severe Brain Injury: Telephone Administration of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition, and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended Pediatric Revision. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2023; 24:e76-e83. [PMID: 36661427 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0000000000003121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Examine initial feasibility and utility of a battery of measures administered via telephone interview with a caregiver for describing long-term outcomes in individuals with a history of disorders of consciousness (DoC) after pediatric acquired brain injury (ABI). DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Caregiver interview administered via telephone. PATIENTS Convenience sample admitted to an inpatient pediatric neurorehabilitation unit with DoC after ABI at least 1 year prior to assessment (n = 41, 5-22 yr old at assessment). INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Third Edition (Vineland-3), and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended Pediatric Revision (GOS-E Peds) were examined. Administration time of the Vineland-3 ranged from 13 to 101 minutes (m = 50) and the GOS-E Peds ranged from 2 to 10 minutes (m = 3). Vineland-3 Adaptive Behavior Composite (ABC) ranged from standard scores (SSs) of 20 (exceptionally low) to 100 (average) and GOS-E Peds scores ranged from 3 (i.e., upper moderate disability) to 7 (vegetative state). Lower adaptive functioning on the Vineland-3 ABC was strongly associated with greater disability on the GOS-E Peds (r = -0.805). On the Vineland-3 ABC, 19.5% earned the lowest possible score, whereas 12.2% obtained the lowest possible score for survivors on the GOS-E Peds; only 7.3% earned lowest scores on both measures. CONCLUSIONS The Vineland-3 and GOS-E Peds were feasibly administered by telephone and were complementary in this cohort; the GOS-E provided a quick and easy measure of gross functional outcome, whereas the Vineland-3 took longer to administer but provided a greater level of detail about functioning. When both measures were used together, the range and variability of scores were maximized.
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Mélotte E, Maudoux A, Panda R, Kaux JF, Lagier A, Herr R, Belorgeot M, Laureys S, Gosseries O. Links Between Swallowing and Consciousness: A Narrative Review. Dysphagia 2023; 38:42-64. [PMID: 35773497 DOI: 10.1007/s00455-022-10452-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
This literature review explores a wide range of themes addressing the links between swallowing and consciousness. Signs of consciousness are historically based on the principle of differentiating reflexive from volitional behaviors. We show that the sequencing of the components of swallowing falls on a continuum of voluntary to reflex behaviors and we describe several types of volitional and non-volitional swallowing tasks. The frequency, speed of initiation of the swallowing reflex, efficacy of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing and coordination between respiration and swallowing are influenced by the level of consciousness during non-pathological modifications of consciousness such as sleep and general anesthesia. In patients with severe brain injury, the level of consciousness is associated with several components related to swallowing, such as the possibility of extubation, risk of pneumonia, type of feeding or components directly related to swallowing such as oral or pharyngeal abnormalities. Based on our theoretical and empirical analysis, the efficacy of the oral phase and the ability to receive exclusive oral feeding seem to be the most robust signs of consciousness related to swallowing in patients with disorders of consciousness. Components of the pharyngeal phase (in terms of abilities of saliva management) and evoked cough may be influenced by consciousness, but further studies are necessary to determine if they constitute signs of consciousness as such or only cortically mediated behaviors. This review also highlights the critical lack of tools and techniques to assess and treat dysphagia in patients with disorders of consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelyne Mélotte
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Avenue de l'Hopital 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium.
- Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Audrey Maudoux
- Sensation and Perception Research Group, GIGA, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Rajanikant Panda
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Kaux
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University and University Hospital of Liège, Avenue de l'Hopital 1, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aude Lagier
- Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Roxanne Herr
- Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Marion Belorgeot
- Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Department, University Hospital of Nîmes, Nîmes, France
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA-Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Centre du Cerveau², University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Fitzpatrick-DeSalme E, Long A, Patel F, Whyte J. Behavioral Assessment of Patients With Disorders of Consciousness. J Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 39:4-11. [PMID: 34474426 DOI: 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY Brain injury resulting in coma may evolve into a prolonged disorder of consciousness, including the vegetative and minimally conscious states. Early detection of emerging consciousness has positive prognostic significance, and improvement in consciousness at any point may indicate the potential for meaningful communication and environmental control. Despite the importance of accurate assessment of consciousness, research indicates that as many as 40% of patients with a disorder of consciousness may be assessed incorrectly. Assessment of consciousness is challenging for many reasons, including the fact that consciousness cannot be measured directly but must be inferred from patterns of behavioral activity, that many patients have confounding deficits and treatments that may mask consciousness, and that patient performance may be highly variable over time. In this manuscript, we discuss strategies for optimizing patient status during assessment and review a number of structured assessment approaches that can be used. The available assessment techniques vary in their length and cost, and the expertise required to use them. Which of these approaches is most applicable to a given acute or subacute setting will vary with the volume of patients with a disorder of consciousness and the available resources. Importantly, lack of consciousness in the acute setting should not be used to justify the withdrawal of care or denial of rehabilitation services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Long
- MossRehab, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
| | - Ferzeen Patel
- MossRehab, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
| | - John Whyte
- MossRehab, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.; and
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, U.S.A
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LaRovere KL, De Souza BJ, Szuch E, Urion DK, Vitali SH, Zhang B, Graham RJ, Geva A, Tasker RC. Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Children with Acute Catastrophic Brain Injury: A 13-Year Retrospective Cohort Study. Neurocrit Care 2021; 36:715-726. [PMID: 34893971 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-021-01408-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze clinical characteristics and outcomes in children with acute catastrophic brain injury (CBI). METHODS This was a single-center, 13-year (2008-2020) retrospective cohort study of children in the pediatric and cardiac intensive care units with CBI, defined as (1) acute neurologic injury based on clinical and/or imaging findings, (2) the need for life-sustaining intensive care unit therapies, and (3) death or survival with a Glasgow Coma Scale score < 13 at discharge. Patients were excluded if they were discharged directly to home < 14 days from admission or had a chronic neurologic condition with a baseline Glasgow Coma Scale score < 13. The association between the primary outcome of death and clinical variables was analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier estimates and multivariable Cox proportional hazard models. Outcomes assessed after discharge were technology dependence, neurologic deficits, and Functional Status Score. Improved functional status was defined as a change in total Functional Status Score [Formula: see text] 2. RESULTS Of 106 patients (58% boys, median age 3.9 years) with CBI, 86 (81%) died. Withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies was the most common cause of death (60 of 86, 70%). In our multivariable analysis, each unit increase in admission pediatric sequential organ failure assessment score was associated with 10% greater hazard of death (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.17, p < .01). After controlling for admission pediatric sequential organ failure assessment scores, compared with those of patients with traumatic brain injury, all other etiologies of CBI were associated with a greater hazard of death (p = .02; hazard ratio 3.76-10). The median survival time for the cohort was 22 days (95% confidence interval 14-37 days). Of 23 survivors to hospital discharge, 20 were still alive after a median of 2 years (interquartile range 1-3 years), 6 of 20 (30%) did not have any technology dependence, 12 of 20 (60%) regained normal levels of alertness and responsiveness, and 15 of 20 (75%) had improved functional status. CONCLUSIONS Most children with acute CBI died within 1 month of hospitalization. Having traumatic brain injury as the etiology of CBI was associated with greater survival, whereas increased organ dysfunction score on admission was associated with a higher hazard of mortality. Of the survivors, some recovered consciousness and functional status and did not require permanent technology dependence. Larger prospective studies are needed to improve prediction of CBI among critically ill children, understand factors guiding clinician and family decisions on the continuation or withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments, and characterize the natural history and long-term outcomes among CBI survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri L LaRovere
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Bradley J De Souza
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eliza Szuch
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David K Urion
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Sally H Vitali
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 300 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Robert J Graham
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alon Geva
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Computational Health Informatics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Robert C Tasker
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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O'Neal CM, Schroeder LN, Wells AA, Chen S, Stephens TM, Glenn CA, Conner AK. Patient Outcomes in Disorders of Consciousness Following Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data. Front Neurol 2021; 12:694970. [PMID: 34475848 PMCID: PMC8407074 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.694970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There are few treatments with limited efficacy for patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC), such as minimally conscious and persistent vegetative state (MCS and PVS). Objective: In this meta-analysis of individual patient data (IPD), we examine studies utilizing transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a treatment in DoC to determine patient and protocol-specific factors associated with improved outcomes. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Ovid Medline, and Clinicaltrials.gov through April 2020 using the following terms: “minimally conscious state,” or “persistent vegetative state,” or “unresponsive wakefulness syndrome,” or “disorders of consciousness” and “transcranial magnetic stimulation.” Studies utilizing TMS as an intervention and reporting individual pre- and post-TMS Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) scores and subscores were included. Studies utilizing diagnostic TMS were excluded. We performed a meta-analysis at two time points to generate a pooled estimate for absolute change in CRS-R Index, and performed a second meta-analysis to determine the treatment effect of TMS using data from sham-controlled crossover studies. A linear regression model was also created using significant predictors of absolute CRS-R index change. Results: The search yielded 118 papers, of which 10 papers with 90 patients were included. Patients demonstrated a mean pooled absolute change in CRS-R Index of 2.74 (95% CI, 0.62–4.85) after one session of TMS and 5.88 (95% CI, 3.68–8.07) at last post-TMS CRS-R assessment. The standardized mean difference between real rTMS and sham was 2.82 (95% CI, −1.50 to 7.14), favoring rTMS. The linear regression model showed that patients had significantly greater CRS-R index changes if they were in MCS, had an etiology of stroke or intracranial hemorrhage, received 10 or more sessions of TMS, or if TMS was initiated within 3 months from injury. Conclusions: TMS may improve outcomes in MCS and PVS. Further evaluation with randomized, clinical trials is necessary to determine its efficacy in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christen M O'Neal
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Lindsey N Schroeder
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Allison A Wells
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Sixia Chen
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Tressie M Stephens
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Chad A Glenn
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Andrew K Conner
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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12
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Scolding N, Owen AM, Keown J. Prolonged disorders of consciousness: a critical evaluation of the new UK guidelines. Brain 2021; 144:1655-1660. [PMID: 33778883 PMCID: PMC8320298 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awab063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the Royal College of Physicians in the UK published national guidelines on the management of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness, updating their 2013 guidance 'particularly in relation to recent developments in assessment and management and … changes in the law governing … the withdrawal of clinically assisted nutrition and hydration'. The report's primary focus is on patients who could live for many years with treatment and care. This update, by a neurologist, an imaging neuroscientist, and a lawyer-ethicist, questions the document's rejection of any significant role for neuroimaging techniques including functional MRI and/or bedside EEG to detect covert consciousness in such patients. We find the reasons for this rejection unconvincing, given (i) the significant advances made in the use of this technology in recent years; and (ii) the wider scope for its use envisaged by the earlier (2018) guidelines issued by the American Academy of Neurology. We suggest that, since around one in five patients diagnosed with prolonged disorders of consciousness are in fact conscious enough to follow commands in a neuroimaging context (i.e. those who are 'covertly conscious' or those with 'cognitive motor dissociation'), and given the clinical, ethical and legal importance of determining whether patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness are legally competent or at least able to express their views and feelings, the guidance from the Royal College of Physicians requires urgent review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Scolding
- Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - John Keown
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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13
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Driessen DMF, Utens CMA, Ribbers GM, van Erp WS, Heijenbrok-Kal MH. Outcome registry of early intensive neurorehabilitation in patients with disorders of consciousness: study protocol of a prospective cohort study. BMC Neurol 2021; 21:69. [PMID: 33579219 PMCID: PMC7879405 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-021-02099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC) may occur after severe brain injury. Two diagnostic entities are distinguished within PDOC: unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS, previously known as vegetative state) and minimally conscious state (MCS). Patients with PDOC may benefit from early intensive neurorehabilitation (EIN). In the Netherlands, the EIN programme is provided by one designated expert rehabilitation centre and forms the starting point of a dedicated chain of specialised rehabilitation and care for this group. This study project, called DOCTOR: Disorders of Consciousness; Treatment and Outcomes Registry, sets up a registry and systematically investigates multiple short- and long-term outcomes of patients with PDOC who receive EIN. METHODS Single-centre prospective cohort study with a 2-year follow-up period. Patients with PDOC due to acute brain injury who receive EIN, aged 16 years and older are included. Measurements will take place at start EIN, in week 5, 10, and at discharge from the EIN programme (duration = max 14 weeks) and at week 28, 40, 52, and 104 after admission to the EIN programme, following patients through the health-care chain. Outcome measures are the changes over time in level of consciousness, using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised; the frequency and type of medical complications; the mortality rate; level of disability, including the level of motor, cognitive, behavioural and emotional functioning; participation; and quality of life. Secondary outcomes include self-efficacy of caregivers, caregivers' strain and cost-effectiveness of the programme. DISCUSSION The DOCTOR study will provide insight in the recovery patterns and predictors of recovery for multiple outcomes in PDOC patients after following EIN. The results of the study will enable us to benchmark and improve EIN and the organisation of the health-care chain, both for patients with PDOC and for their families. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register, NL 8138 . Retrospectively registered 6 November 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M F Driessen
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. .,Libra Rehabilitation & Audiology, PO Box 1355, 5022 KE, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Cecile M A Utens
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Libra Rehabilitation & Audiology, PO Box 1355, 5022 KE, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard M Ribbers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, PO Box 23181, 3001 KD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Willemijn S van Erp
- Libra Rehabilitation & Audiology, PO Box 1355, 5022 KE, Tilburg, the Netherlands.,Radboud University Medical Centre, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Accolade Zorg, Zeist, the Netherlands
| | - Majanka H Heijenbrok-Kal
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, PO Box 2040, 3000, CA, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Rijndam Rehabilitation, PO Box 23181, 3001 KD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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14
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Li Y, He J, Yang B, Zhang H, Yang Z, Fu J, Huang L, Chen H, Yang X, Bao Y. Clinical diagnosis guidelines and neurorestorative treatment for chronic disorders of consciousness (2021 China version). JOURNAL OF NEURORESTORATOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.26599/jnr.2021.9040006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC) include the vegetative state and the minimally consciousness state. The DOC diagnosis mainly relies on the evaluation of clinical behavioral scales, electrophysiological testing, and neuroimaging examinations. No specifically effective neurorestorative methods for chronic DOC currently exist. Any valuable exploration therapies of being able to repair functions and/or structures in the consciousness loop (e.g., drugs, hyperbaric medicines, noninvasive neurostimulation, sensory and environmental stimulation, invasive neuromodulation therapy, and cell transplantation) may become effective neurorestorative strategies for chronic DOC. In the viewpoint of Neurorestoratology, this guideline proposes the diagnostic and neurorestorative therapeutic suggestions and future exploration direction for this disease following the review of the existing treatment exploration achievements for chronic DOC.
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15
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Estraneo A, Masotta O, Bartolo M, Pistoia F, Perin C, Marino S, Lucca L, Pingue V, Casanova E, Romoli A, Gentile S, Formisano R, Salvi GP, Scarponi F, De Tanti A, Bongioanni P, Rossato E, Santangelo A, Diana AR, Gambarin M, Intiso D, Antenucci R, Premoselli S, Bertoni M, De Bellis F. Multi-center study on overall clinical complexity of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness of different etiologies. Brain Inj 2020; 35:1-7. [PMID: 33331792 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2020.1861652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Aim: to assess overall clinical complexity of patients with acquired disorders of consciousness (DoC) in vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) vs. minimally conscious state- MCS) and in different etiologies..Design: Multi-center cross-sectional observational study.Setting: 23 intensive neurorehabilitation units.Subjects: 264 patients with DoC in the post-acute phase: VS/UWS = 141, and MCS = 123 due to vascular (n = 125), traumatic (n = 83) or anoxic (n = 56) brain injury.Main Measures: Coma Recovery Scale-Revised, and Disability Rating Scale (DRS); presence of medical devices (e.g., for eating or breathing); occurrence and severity of medical complications.Results: patients in DoC, and particularly those in VS/UWS, showed severe overall clinical complexity. Anoxic patients had higher overall clinical complexity, lower level of responsiveness/consciousness, higher functional disability, and higher needs of medical devices. Vascular patients had worse premorbid clinical comorbidities. The two etiologies showed a comparable rate of MC, higher than that observed in traumatic etiology.Conclusion: overall clinical complexity is significantly higher in VS/UWS than in MCS, and in non-traumatic vs. traumatic etiology. These findings could explain the worse clinical evolution reported in anoxic and vascular etiologies and in VS/UWS patients and contribute to plan patient-tailored care and rehabilitation programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Estraneo
- Department of Acquired Brain Injury, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Santa Maria Della Pietà General Hospital, Nola, Italy
| | - O Masotta
- Lab for DoC Study, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, SB S.p.A. Lab for DoC Study, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - M Bartolo
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, HABILITA Zingonia/Ciserano, Bergamo, Italy
| | - F Pistoia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Perin
- Unità di Neuroriabilitazione Cognitiva, Istituti Clinici Zucchi, Carate Brianza, Italy
| | - S Marino
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi "Bonino-Pulejo", Messina, Italy
| | - L Lucca
- Unità di Riabilitazione Gravi Cerebrolesioni, Istituto S. Anna, Crotone, Italy
| | - V Pingue
- Unità Medicina Riabilitativa Neuromotoria, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, SB S.p.A, Pavia, Italy
| | - E Casanova
- Casa dei Risvegli Luca De Nigris, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna, Italy
| | - A Romoli
- Department of Acquired Brain Injury, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
| | - S Gentile
- Dip. di Riabilitazione, F.T. Camplani Clinica Ancelle Carità, Cremona, Italy
| | - R Formisano
- Unità Post-Coma e di Ricerca Traslazionale, IRCCS, Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - G P Salvi
- U.F. Riabilitazione Neuromotoria, Istituto Clinico Quarenghi, S. Pellegrino Terme, Italy
| | - F Scarponi
- Dip. di Neurologia - UGCA, Ospedale S. Giovanni Battista, Foligno, Italy
| | - A De Tanti
- Centro Cardinal Ferrari, S. Stefano Riabilitazione, Fontanellato di Parma, Italy
| | - P Bongioanni
- Severe Acquired Brain Injuries Dept Section, Integrated Care Dept of Medical Specialties, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Rossato
- Centro Medicina del Sonno, Ospedale Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Verona, Italy
| | - A Santangelo
- Unit for Severe Acquired Brain Injuries, Rehabilitation Dept, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, Cefalù, Italy
| | - A R Diana
- Dip. Neuroscienze e Riabilitazione, Azienda Ospedaliera Brotzu, Cagliari, Italy
| | - M Gambarin
- Unità Medicina Fisica e Riabilitazione, Ospedale Riabilitativo Di Marzana, Verona, Italy
| | - D Intiso
- Unità di Medicina Fisica e Neuroriabilitazione, IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - R Antenucci
- Unità di Medicina Riabilitativa Intensiva, Ospedale Castel San Giovanni, Italy
| | - S Premoselli
- Struttura di Riabilitazione Neuromotoria, Presidio Ospedaliero Vimercate, Monza, Italy
| | - M Bertoni
- Presidio di Riabilitazione Neuromotoria, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale dei Sette Laghi, Cuasso Al Monte, Italy
| | - F De Bellis
- Dept. of Acquired Brain Injury, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, Italy
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16
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to describe ethical and legal issues that arise in the management of patients with disorders of consciousness ranging from the minimally conscious state to the coma state, as well as brain death. RECENT FINDINGS The recent literature highlights dilemmas created by diagnostic and prognostic uncertainties in patients with disorders of consciousness. The discussion also reveals the challenges experienced by the disability community, which includes individuals with severe brain injury who are classified as having a disorder of consciousness. We review current guidelines for management of patients with disorders of consciousness including discussions around diagnosis, prognosis, consideration of neuropalliation, and decisions around life sustaining medical treatment. SUMMARY In the setting of uncertainty, this review describes the utility of applying a disability rights perspective and shared decision-making process to approach medical decision-making for patients with disorders of consciousness. We outline approaches to identifying surrogate decision makers, standards for decision-making and decision-making processes, specifically addressing the concept of futility as a less useful framework for making decisions. We also highlight special considerations for research, innovative and controversial care, brain death, organ donation, and child abuse and neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Rissman
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Erin Talati Paquette
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law (by courtesy), Chicago, IL
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17
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Arnts H, van Erp WS, Sanz LRD, Lavrijsen JCM, Schuurman R, Laureys S, Vandertop WP, van den Munckhof P. The Dilemma of Hydrocephalus in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness. J Neurotrauma 2020; 37:2150-2156. [PMID: 32484029 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOC) are considered to be among the most severe outcomes after acquired brain injury. Medical care for these patients is mainly focused on minimizing complications, given that treatment options for patients with unresponsive wakefulness or minimal consciousness remain scarce. The complication rate in patients with DOC is high, both in the acute hospital setting, as in the rehabilitation or long-term care phase. Hydrocephalus is one of these well-known complications and usually develops quickly after acute changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation after different types of brain damage. However, hydrocephalus may also develop with a significant delay, weeks, or even months after the initial injury, reducing the potential for natural recovery of consciousness. In this phase, hydrocephalus is likely to be missed in DOC patients, given that their limited behavioral responsiveness camouflages the classic signs of increased intracranial pressure or secondary normal-pressure hydrocephalus. Moreover, the development of late-onset hydrocephalus may exceed the period of regular outpatient follow-up. Several controversies remain about the diagnosis of clinical hydrocephalus in patients with ventricular enlargement after severe brain injury. In this article, we discuss both the difficulties in diagnosis and dilemmas in the treatment of CSF disorders in patients with prolonged DOC and review evidence from the literature to advance an active surveillance protocol for the detection of this late, but treatable, complication. Moreover, we advocate a low threshold for CSF diversion when hydrocephalus is suspected, even months or years after brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisse Arnts
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Willemijn S van Erp
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Centre for Family Medicine, Geriatric Care and Public Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Leandro R D Sanz
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Jan C M Lavrijsen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Centre for Family Medicine, Geriatric Care and Public Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rick Schuurman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steven Laureys
- GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium; Coma Science Group, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - William P Vandertop
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pepijn van den Munckhof
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Minimum Competency Recommendations for Programs That Provide Rehabilitation Services for Persons With Disorders of Consciousness: A Position Statement of the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living and Rehabilitation Research Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2020; 101:1072-1089. [PMID: 32087109 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Persons who have disorders of consciousness (DoC) require care from multidisciplinary teams with specialized training and expertise in management of the complex needs of this clinical population. The recent promulgation of practice guidelines for patients with prolonged DoC by the American Academy of Neurology, American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine (ACRM), and National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) represents a major advance in the development of care standards in this area of brain injury rehabilitation. Implementation of these practice guidelines requires explication of the minimum competencies of clinical programs providing services to persons who have DoC. The Brain Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group of the ACRM, in collaboration with the Disorders of Consciousness Special Interest Group of the NIDILRR-Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts to address this need through the present position statement. Content area-specific workgroups reviewed relevant peer-reviewed literature and drafted recommendations which were then evaluated by the expert panel using a modified Delphi voting process. The process yielded 21 recommendations on the structure and process of essential services required for effective DoC-focused rehabilitation, organized into 4 categories: diagnostic and prognostic assessment (4 recommendations), treatment (11 recommendations), transitioning care/long-term care needs (5 recommendations), and management of ethical issues (1 recommendation). With few exceptions, these recommendations focus on infrastructure requirements and operating procedures for the provision of DoC-focused neurorehabilitation services across subacute and postacute settings.
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19
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Current validity of diagnosis of permanent vegetative state: a longitudinal study in a sample of patients with altered states of consciousness. NEUROLOGÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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20
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Pistoia F, Carolei A, Bodien YG, Greenfield S, Kaplan S, Sacco S, Pistarini C, Casalena A, De Tanti A, Cazzulani B, Bellaviti G, Sarà M, Giacino J. The Comorbidities Coma Scale (CoCoS): Psychometric Properties and Clinical Usefulness in Patients With Disorders of Consciousness. Front Neurol 2019; 10:1042. [PMID: 31681139 PMCID: PMC6812466 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.01042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although comorbidities have a well-known impact on the functional recovery of patients with disorders of consciousness, including coma, vegetative state (VS), and minimally conscious state (MCS), a specific tool for their assessment in this challenging group of patients is lacking. For this aim, a multistep process was used to develop and validate the Comorbidities Coma Scale (CoCoS) in a sample of 162 patients with a diagnosis of coma, VS or MCS admitted to four Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Units. To establish the psychometric properties of the scale, content validity, and internal consistency were investigated through Exploratory Factor Analysis in the whole sample (n = 162). Interrater reliability, assessed by the weighted Cohen's kappa (Kw), and concurrent validity of the scale as compared to the Greenfield Scale, assessed by ρ Spearman's correlation coefficient, were investigated in a subsample of patients (n = 52) within two of the above units. Our findings provided evidence of a good content validity of the scale, with the identification of a 12-factor structure representing the different comorbid dimensions of the target population. Inter-rater reliability was excellent in both the rehabilitation units where the assessment was made [Kw 0.98 (95% CI 0.96–0.99)]. CoCoS total scores correlated significantly with total scores of the Greenfield Scale (ρ = 0.932, 95% CI 0.89–0.96; P < 0.0001) indicating that CoCoS has concurrent validity while being more informative about the specific pattern of comorbidities of these challenging patients. The CoCos is a new tool which standardizes the approach to assessment of comorbid conditions and reliably identifies the category and severity of each comorbidity detected. It may be used for both clinical and research applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pistoia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Antonio Carolei
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sheldon Greenfield
- Health Policy Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sherrie Kaplan
- Health Policy Research Institute, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Simona Sacco
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, Neurological Institute, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Caterina Pistarini
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Nervi, Nervi, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Gianluca Bellaviti
- Salvatore Maugeri Foundation, Scientific Institute of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Sarà
- Post-Coma Rehabilitative Unit, San Raffaele Hospital, Cassino, Italy
| | - Joseph Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital-Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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21
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Lucca LF, Lofaro D, Pignolo L, Leto E, Ursino M, Cortese MD, Conforti D, Tonin P, Cerasa A. Outcome prediction in disorders of consciousness: the role of coma recovery scale revised. BMC Neurol 2019; 19:68. [PMID: 30999877 PMCID: PMC6472098 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-019-1293-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the utility of the revised coma remission scale (CRS-r), together with other clinical variables, in predicting emergence from disorders of consciousness (DoC) during intensive rehabilitation care. Methods Data were retrospectively extracted from the medical records of patients enrolled in a specialized intensive rehabilitation unit. 123 patients in a vegetative state (VS) and 57 in a minimally conscious state (MCS) were included and followed for a period of 8 weeks. Demographical and clinical factors were used as outcome measures. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were employed for examining potential predictors for clinical outcome along the time. Results VS and MCS groups were matched for demographical and clinical variables (i.e., age, aetiology, tracheostomy and route of feeding). Within 2 months after admission in intensive neurorehabilitation unit, 3.9% were dead, 35.5% had a full recovery of consciousness and 66.7% remained in VS or MCS. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the best predictor of functional improvement was the CRS-r scores. In particular, patients with values greater than 12 at admission were those with a favourable likelihood of emergence from DoC. Conclusions Our study highlights the role of the CRS-r scores for predicting a short-term favorable outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Francesca Lucca
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900, Crotone, Italy.
| | - Danilo Lofaro
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica, Energetica e Gestionale - DIMEG, UNICAL, Arcavata di Rende (CS), Rende, Italy.,Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Loris Pignolo
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900, Crotone, Italy
| | - Elio Leto
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900, Crotone, Italy
| | - Maria Ursino
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900, Crotone, Italy
| | - Maria Daniela Cortese
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900, Crotone, Italy
| | - Domenico Conforti
- Kidney and Transplantation Research Center, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Paolo Tonin
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900, Crotone, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- S. Anna Institute and Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation (RAN), 88900, Crotone, Italy. .,Neuroimaging Unit, IBFM-CNR, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
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22
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Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Treatments in Perceived Devastating Brain Injury: The Key Role of Uncertainty. Neurocrit Care 2019; 30:33-41. [PMID: 30143963 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-018-0595-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WOLST) is the leading proximate cause of death in patients with perceived devastating brain injury (PDBI). There are reasons to believe that a potentially significant proportion of WOLST decisions, in this setting, are premature and guided by a number of assumptions that falsely confer a sense of certainty. METHOD This manuscript proposes that these assumptions face serious challenges, and that we should replace unwarranted certainty with an appreciation for the great degree of multi-dimensional uncertainty involved. The article proceeds by offering a taxonomy of uncertainty in PDBI and explores the key role that uncertainty as a cognitive state, may play into how WOLST decisions are reached. CONCLUSION In order to properly share decision-making with families and surrogates of patients with PDBI, we will have to acknowledge, understand, and be able to communicate the great degree of uncertainty involved.
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23
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Pascarella A, Fiorenza S, Masotta O, Tibollo V, Vella D, Nardone A, Rossi M, Volanti P, Madonia F, Castronovo G, De Cicco D, Guarnaschelli C, Achilli MP, Chiapparino C, Angelillo MT, Tommasi MA, Pisano F, Grioni G, Vezzadini G, Ferriero G, Salvaderi S, Bellazzi R, Estraneo A. Multicentre registry of brain-injured patients with disorder of consciousness: rationale and preliminary data. FUNCTIONAL NEUROLOGY 2019; 33:19-30. [PMID: 29633693 PMCID: PMC5901937 DOI: 10.11138/fneur/2018.33.1.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Diagnostic accuracy and reliable estimation of clinical evolution are challenging issues in the management of patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Longitudinal systematic investigations conducted in large cohorts of patients with DoC could make it possible to identify reliable diagnostic and prognostic markers. On the basis of this consideration, we devised a multicentre prospective registry for patients with DoC admitted to ten intensive rehabilitation units. The registry collects homogeneous and detailed data on patients' demographic and clinical features, neurophysiological and neuroimaging findings, and medical and surgical complications. Here we present the rationale and the design of the registry and the preliminary results obtained in 53 patients with DoC (vegetative state or minimally conscious state) enrolled during the first seven months of the study. Data at 6-month post-injury follow-up were available for 46 of them. This registry could be an important tool for collecting high-quality data through the application of rigorous methods, and it could be used in the routine management of patients with DoC admitted to rehabilitation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Pascarella
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Scientific Institute of Telese Terme, ICS Maugeri, Telese Terme (BN), Italy
| | - Salvatore Fiorenza
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Scientific Institute of Telese Terme, ICS Maugeri, Telese Terme (BN), Italy
| | - Orsola Masotta
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Scientific Institute of Telese Terme, ICS Maugeri, Telese Terme (BN), Italy
| | - Valentina Tibollo
- Laboratory of System Engineer for Clinical Research, ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Danila Vella
- Laboratory of System Engineer for Clinical Research, ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Nardone
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Pavia, ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical-Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Rossi
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Pavia, ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Volanti
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Mistretta, ICS Maugeri, Mistretta (ME), Italy
| | - Francesca Madonia
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Mistretta, ICS Maugeri, Mistretta (ME), Italy
| | | | - Domenico De Cicco
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Sciacca, ICS Maugeri, Sciacca (AG), Italy
| | | | - Maria Pia Achilli
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Montescano, ICS Maugeri, Montescano (PV), Italy
| | - Concetta Chiapparino
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Cassano delle Murge, ICS Maugeri, Cassano delle Murge (BA), Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Angelillo
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Cassano delle Murge, ICS Maugeri, Cassano delle Murge (BA), Italy
| | | | - Fabrizio Pisano
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Veruno, ICS Maugeri, Veruno (NO), Italy
| | - Giuseppe Grioni
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Castel Goffredo, ICS Maugeri, Castel Goffredo (MN), Italy
| | - Giuliana Vezzadini
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Castel Goffredo, ICS Maugeri, Castel Goffredo (MN), Italy
| | - Giorgio Ferriero
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Lissone, ICS Maugeri, Lissone (MB), Italy
| | - Stefano Salvaderi
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, Institute of Lissone, ICS Maugeri, Lissone (MB), Italy
| | - Riccardo Bellazzi
- Laboratory of System Engineer for Clinical Research, ICS Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Estraneo
- Neurorehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory for Disorder of Consciousness, Scientific Institute of Telese Terme, ICS Maugeri, Telese Terme (BN), Italy
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Giacino JT, Katz DI, Schiff ND, Whyte J, Ashman EJ, Ashwal S, Barbano R, Hammond FM, Laureys S, Ling GSF, Nakase-Richardson R, Seel RT, Yablon S, Getchius TSD, Gronseth GS, Armstrong MJ. Practice guideline update recommendations summary: Disorders of consciousness: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology; the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine; and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. Neurology 2018; 91:450-460. [PMID: 30089618 PMCID: PMC6139814 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000005926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 375] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update the 1995 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice parameter on persistent vegetative state and the 2002 case definition on minimally conscious state (MCS) and provide care recommendations for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC). METHODS Recommendations were based on systematic review evidence, related evidence, care principles, and inferences using a modified Delphi consensus process according to the AAN 2011 process manual, as amended. RECOMMENDATIONS Clinicians should identify and treat confounding conditions, optimize arousal, and perform serial standardized assessments to improve diagnostic accuracy in adults and children with prolonged DoC (Level B). Clinicians should counsel families that for adults, MCS (vs vegetative state [VS]/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [UWS]) and traumatic (vs nontraumatic) etiology are associated with more favorable outcomes (Level B). When prognosis is poor, long-term care must be discussed (Level A), acknowledging that prognosis is not universally poor (Level B). Structural MRI, SPECT, and the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised can assist prognostication in adults (Level B); no tests are shown to improve prognostic accuracy in children. Pain always should be assessed and treated (Level B) and evidence supporting treatment approaches discussed (Level B). Clinicians should prescribe amantadine (100-200 mg bid) for adults with traumatic VS/UWS or MCS (4-16 weeks post injury) to hasten functional recovery and reduce disability early in recovery (Level B). Family counseling concerning children should acknowledge that natural history of recovery, prognosis, and treatment are not established (Level B). Recent evidence indicates that the term chronic VS/UWS should replace permanent VS, with duration specified (Level B). Additional recommendations are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Giacino
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Douglas I Katz
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Nicholas D Schiff
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - John Whyte
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Eric J Ashman
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Stephen Ashwal
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Richard Barbano
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Flora M Hammond
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Steven Laureys
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Geoffrey S F Ling
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Risa Nakase-Richardson
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Ronald T Seel
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Stuart Yablon
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Thomas S D Getchius
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Gary S Gronseth
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
| | - Melissa J Armstrong
- From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (J.T.G.), Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School; Department of Psychiatry (J.T.G.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; Department of Neurology (D.I.K.), Boston University School of Medicine; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital (D.I.K.), MA; Department of Neurology and Neuroscience (N.D.S.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute (J.W.), Elkins Park, PA; Bronson Neuroscience Center (E.J.A.), Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology (S.A.), Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA; Department of Neurology (R.B.), University of Rochester Medical Center, NY; Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (F.M.H.), University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis; Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology (S.L.), Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology (G.S.F.L.), Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD; James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (R.N.-R.), US Department of Veterans Affairs, Tampa, FL; Crawford Research Institute (R.T.S.), Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (R.T.S.), Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond; Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (S.Y.), University of Mississippi School of Medicine; Brain Injury Program (S.Y.), Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS; Heart Rhythm Society (T.S.D.G.), Washington, DC; Department of Neurology (G.S.G.), University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City; and Department of Neurology (M.J.A.), University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
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Giacino JT, Katz DI, Schiff ND, Whyte J, Ashman EJ, Ashwal S, Barbano R, Hammond FM, Laureys S, Ling GSF, Nakase-Richardson R, Seel RT, Yablon S, Getchius TSD, Gronseth GS, Armstrong MJ. Practice Guideline Update Recommendations Summary: Disorders of Consciousness: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology; the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine; and the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 99:1699-1709. [PMID: 30098791 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To update the 1995 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) practice parameter on persistent vegetative state and the 2002 case definition on minimally conscious state (MCS) and provide care recommendations for patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC). METHODS Recommendations were based on systematic review evidence, related evidence, care principles, and inferences using a modified Delphi consensus process according to the AAN 2011 process manual, as amended. RECOMMENDATIONS Clinicians should identify and treat confounding conditions, optimize arousal, and perform serial standardized assessments to improve diagnostic accuracy in adults and children with prolonged DoC (Level B). Clinicians should counsel families that for adults, MCS (vs vegetative state [VS]/ unresponsive wakefulness syndrome [UWS]) and traumatic (vs nontraumatic) etiology are associated with more favorable outcomes (Level B). When prognosis is poor, long-term care must be discussed (Level A), acknowledging that prognosis is not universally poor (Level B). Structural MRI, SPECT, and the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised can assist prognostication in adults (Level B); no tests are shown to improve prognostic accuracy in children. Pain always should be assessed and treated (Level B) and evidence supporting treatment approaches discussed (Level B). Clinicians should prescribe amantadine (100-200 mg bid) for adults with traumatic VS/UWS or MCS (4-16 weeks post injury) to hasten functional recovery and reduce disability early in recovery (Level B). Family counseling concerning children should acknowledge that natural history of recovery, prognosis, and treatment are not established (Level B). Recent evidence indicates that the term chronic VS/UWS should replace permanent VS, with duration specified (Level B). Additional recommendations are included.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Douglas I Katz
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA; Braintree Rehabilitation Hospital, MA
| | - Nicholas D Schiff
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - John Whyte
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, PA
| | - Eric J Ashman
- Bronson Neuroscience Center, Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI
| | - Stephen Ashwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Child Neurology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, CA
| | - Richard Barbano
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY
| | - Flora M Hammond
- Indiana University Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis
| | - Steven Laureys
- Coma Science Group-GIGA Research and Department of Neurology, Sart Tillman Liège University & University Hospital, Liège, Belgium
| | - Geoffrey S F Ling
- Department of Neurology, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Ronald T Seel
- Crawford Research Institute, Shepherd Center, Atlanta, GA; Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond
| | - Stuart Yablon
- Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Mississippi School of Medicine, Jackson, MS; Brain Injury Program, Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Jackson, MS
| | | | - Gary S Gronseth
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City
| | - Melissa J Armstrong
- Department of Neurology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville
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Fins JJ, Bernat JL. Ethical, Palliative, and Policy Considerations in Disorders of Consciousness. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 99:1927-1931. [PMID: 30098790 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
This essay complements the scientific and practice scope of the American Academy of Neurology Guideline on Disorders of Consciousness by providing a discussion of the ethical, palliative, and policy aspects of the management of this group of patients. We endorse the renaming of "permanent" vegetative state to "chronic" vegetative state given the increased frequency of reports of late improvements but suggest that further refinement of this class of patients is necessary to distinguish late recoveries from patients who were misdiagnosed or in cognitive-motor dissociation. Additional nosologic clarity and prognostic refinement is necessary to preclude overestimation of low probability events. We argue that the new descriptor "unaware wakefulness syndrome" is no clearer than "vegetative state" in expressing the mismatch between apparent behavioral unawareness when patients have covert consciousness or cognitive motor dissociation. We advocate routine universal pain precautions as an important element of neuropalliative care for these patients given the risk of covert consciousness. In medical decision-making, we endorse the use of advance directives and the importance of clear and understandable communication with surrogates. We show the value of incorporating a learning health care system so as to promote therapeutic innovation. We support the Guideline's high standard for rehabilitation for these patients but note that those systems of care are neither widely available nor affordable. Finally, we applaud the Guideline authors for this outstanding exemplar of engaged scholarship in the service of a frequently neglected group of brain-injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Fins
- Division of Medical Ethics and Consortium for the Advanced Study of Brain Injury, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Solomon Center for Health Law & Policy, Yale Law School, New Haven, CT
| | - James L Bernat
- Departments of Neurology and Medicine, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH.
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27
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Fins JJ, Bernat JL. Ethical, palliative, and policy considerations in disorders of consciousness. Neurology 2018; 91:471-475. [PMID: 30089621 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000005927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This essay complements the scientific and practice scope of the American Academy of Neurology Guideline on Disorders of Consciousness by providing a discussion of the ethical, palliative, and policy aspects of the management of this group of patients. We endorse the renaming of "permanent" vegetative state to "chronic" vegetative state given the increased frequency of reports of late improvements but suggest that further refinement of this class of patients is necessary to distinguish late recoveries from patients who were misdiagnosed or in cognitive-motor dissociation. Additional nosologic clarity and prognostic refinement is necessary to preclude overestimation of low probability events. We argue that the new descriptor "unaware wakefulness syndrome" is no clearer than "vegetative state" in expressing the mismatch between apparent behavioral unawareness when patients have covert consciousness or cognitive motor dissociation. We advocate routine universal pain precautions as an important element of neuropalliative care for these patients given the risk of covert consciousness. In medical decision-making, we endorse the use of advance directives and the importance of clear and understandable communication with surrogates. We show the value of incorporating a learning health care system so as to promote therapeutic innovation. We support the Guideline's high standard for rehabilitation for these patients but note that those systems of care are neither widely available nor affordable. Finally, we applaud the Guideline authors for this outstanding exemplar of engaged scholarship in the service of a frequently neglected group of brain-injured patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Fins
- From the Division of Medical Ethics and Consortium for the Advanced Study of Brain Injury (J.J.F.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Solomon Center for Health Law & Policy (J.J.F.),Yale Law School, New Haven, CT; and Departments of Neurology and Medicine (J.L.B.), Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| | - James L Bernat
- From the Division of Medical Ethics and Consortium for the Advanced Study of Brain Injury (J.J.F.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY; Solomon Center for Health Law & Policy (J.J.F.),Yale Law School, New Haven, CT; and Departments of Neurology and Medicine (J.L.B.), Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH.
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Do Medical Complications Impact Long-Term Outcomes in Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness? Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2018; 99:2523-2531.e3. [PMID: 29807003 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate medical complications (MCs) occurring within 6 months postinjury in brain-injured patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DoC) and to evaluate impact of MC on mortality and long-term clinical outcomes. DESIGN Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING Rehabilitation unit for acquired DoC. PARTICIPANTS Patients (N=194) with DoC (142 in vegetative state [VS], 52 in minimally conscious state; traumatic etiology 43, anoxic 69, vascular 82) consecutively admitted to a neurorehabilitation unit within 1-3 months postonset. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Mortality and improvements in clinical diagnosis and functional disability level (assessed by Coma Recovery Scale-Revised [CRS-R] and Disability Rating Scale) at 12, 24, and 36 months postonset. RESULTS Within 6 months postinjury, 188 of 194 patients (>95%) developed at least 1 MC and 142 of them (73%) showed at least 1 severe MC. Respiratory and musculoskeletal-cutaneous MCs were the most frequent, followed by endocrino-metabolic abnormalities. Follow-up, complete in 189 of 194 patients, showed that male sex and endocrine-metabolic MCs were associated with higher risk of mortality at all timepoints. Old age, anoxic etiology, lower CRS-R total scores, and diagnosis of VS at study entry predicted no clinical and functional improvements at most timepoints; however, epilepsy predicted no improvement in diagnosis at 24 months postonset only. CONCLUSIONS MCs are very frequent in patients with DoC within at least 6 months after brain injury, regardless of clinical diagnosis, etiology, and age. Endocrino-metabolic MCs are independent predictors of mortality at all timepoints; however,epilepsy predicted poor long-term outcome. Occurrence and severity of MCs in patients with DoC call for long-term appropriate levels of care after the postacute phase.
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Lopez-Rolon A, Vogler J, Howell K, Shock J, Czermak S, Heck S, Straube A, Bender A. Severe disorders of consciousness after acquired brain injury: A single-centre long-term follow-up study. NeuroRehabilitation 2018; 40:509-517. [PMID: 28222568 DOI: 10.3233/nre-171438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess long-term clinical outcome, functional independence and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in acquired brain injury (ABI) patients with a disorder of consciousness at admission to inpatient rehabilitation. METHODS We selected patients from a cohort of ABI patients from a single centre. In addition to mortality, we measured level of consciousness with the Coma Remission Scale, functional independence with the Barthel Index, as well as generic and condition-specific HRQOL with the EQ5D and the "Quality of Life after Brain Injury" (QOLIBRI) respectively. RESULTS Half of the obtained sample had died by follow-up. Survivors were younger at onset, in a minimally conscious state (MCS) at admission and had spent longer time in rehabilitation. Patients in a MCS were more likely to survive, and be in a state better than MCS over the follow-up time than patients with an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS). A small proportion of patients with UWS at admission emerged from MCS at follow-up. Emergence from MCS was associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and higher functional independence. CONCLUSION Clinical outcome is mostly concordant with previous findings. Survivors' rehabilitation duration suggest revision of current standards. HRQOL results indicate a correlation with functional independence and that condition-specific HRQOL should not be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana Vogler
- Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kaitlen Howell
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Shock
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Stefan Czermak
- Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Suzette Heck
- Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Straube
- Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Bender
- Department of Neurology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Therapiezentrum Burgau, Burgau, Germany
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30
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Maas AIR, Menon DK, Adelson PD, Andelic N, Bell MJ, Belli A, Bragge P, Brazinova A, Büki A, Chesnut RM, Citerio G, Coburn M, Cooper DJ, Crowder AT, Czeiter E, Czosnyka M, Diaz-Arrastia R, Dreier JP, Duhaime AC, Ercole A, van Essen TA, Feigin VL, Gao G, Giacino J, Gonzalez-Lara LE, Gruen RL, Gupta D, Hartings JA, Hill S, Jiang JY, Ketharanathan N, Kompanje EJO, Lanyon L, Laureys S, Lecky F, Levin H, Lingsma HF, Maegele M, Majdan M, Manley G, Marsteller J, Mascia L, McFadyen C, Mondello S, Newcombe V, Palotie A, Parizel PM, Peul W, Piercy J, Polinder S, Puybasset L, Rasmussen TE, Rossaint R, Smielewski P, Söderberg J, Stanworth SJ, Stein MB, von Steinbüchel N, Stewart W, Steyerberg EW, Stocchetti N, Synnot A, Te Ao B, Tenovuo O, Theadom A, Tibboel D, Videtta W, Wang KKW, Williams WH, Wilson L, Yaffe K, Adams H, Agnoletti V, Allanson J, Amrein K, Andaluz N, Anke A, Antoni A, van As AB, Audibert G, Azaševac A, Azouvi P, Azzolini ML, Baciu C, Badenes R, Barlow KM, Bartels R, Bauerfeind U, Beauchamp M, Beer D, Beer R, Belda FJ, Bellander BM, Bellier R, Benali H, Benard T, Beqiri V, Beretta L, Bernard F, Bertolini G, Bilotta F, Blaabjerg M, den Boogert H, Boutis K, Bouzat P, Brooks B, Brorsson C, Bullinger M, Burns E, Calappi E, Cameron P, Carise E, Castaño-León AM, Causin F, Chevallard G, Chieregato A, Christie B, Cnossen M, Coles J, Collett J, Della Corte F, Craig W, Csato G, Csomos A, Curry N, Dahyot-Fizelier C, Dawes H, DeMatteo C, Depreitere B, Dewey D, van Dijck J, Đilvesi Đ, Dippel D, Dizdarevic K, Donoghue E, Duek O, Dulière GL, Dzeko A, Eapen G, Emery CA, English S, Esser P, Ezer E, Fabricius M, Feng J, Fergusson D, Figaji A, Fleming J, Foks K, Francony G, Freedman S, Freo U, Frisvold SK, Gagnon I, Galanaud D, Gantner D, Giraud B, Glocker B, Golubovic J, Gómez López PA, Gordon WA, Gradisek P, Gravel J, Griesdale D, Grossi F, Haagsma JA, Håberg AK, Haitsma I, Van Hecke W, Helbok R, Helseth E, van Heugten C, Hoedemaekers C, Höfer S, Horton L, Hui J, Huijben JA, Hutchinson PJ, Jacobs B, van der Jagt M, Jankowski S, Janssens K, Jelaca B, Jones KM, Kamnitsas K, Kaps R, Karan M, Katila A, Kaukonen KM, De Keyser V, Kivisaari R, Kolias AG, Kolumbán B, Kolundžija K, Kondziella D, Koskinen LO, Kovács N, Kramer A, Kutsogiannis D, Kyprianou T, Lagares A, Lamontagne F, Latini R, Lauzier F, Lazar I, Ledig C, Lefering R, Legrand V, Levi L, Lightfoot R, Lozano A, MacDonald S, Major S, Manara A, Manhes P, Maréchal H, Martino C, Masala A, Masson S, Mattern J, McFadyen B, McMahon C, Meade M, Melegh B, Menovsky T, Moore L, Morgado Correia M, Morganti-Kossmann MC, Muehlan H, Mukherjee P, Murray L, van der Naalt J, Negru A, Nelson D, Nieboer D, Noirhomme Q, Nyirádi J, Oddo M, Okonkwo DO, Oldenbeuving AW, Ortolano F, Osmond M, Payen JF, Perlbarg V, Persona P, Pichon N, Piippo-Karjalainen A, Pili-Floury S, Pirinen M, Ple H, Poca MA, Posti J, Van Praag D, Ptito A, Radoi A, Ragauskas A, Raj R, Real RGL, Reed N, Rhodes J, Robertson C, Rocka S, Røe C, Røise O, Roks G, Rosand J, Rosenfeld JV, Rosenlund C, Rosenthal G, Rossi S, Rueckert D, de Ruiter GCW, Sacchi M, Sahakian BJ, Sahuquillo J, Sakowitz O, Salvato G, Sánchez-Porras R, Sándor J, Sangha G, Schäfer N, Schmidt S, Schneider KJ, Schnyer D, Schöhl H, Schoonman GG, Schou RF, Sir Ö, Skandsen T, Smeets D, Sorinola A, Stamatakis E, Stevanovic A, Stevens RD, Sundström N, Taccone FS, Takala R, Tanskanen P, Taylor MS, Telgmann R, Temkin N, Teodorani G, Thomas M, Tolias CM, Trapani T, Turgeon A, Vajkoczy P, Valadka AB, Valeinis E, Vallance S, Vámos Z, Vargiolu A, Vega E, Verheyden J, Vik A, Vilcinis R, Vleggeert-Lankamp C, Vogt L, Volovici V, Voormolen DC, Vulekovic P, Vande Vyvere T, Van Waesberghe J, Wessels L, Wildschut E, Williams G, Winkler MKL, Wolf S, Wood G, Xirouchaki N, Younsi A, Zaaroor M, Zelinkova V, Zemek R, Zumbo F. Traumatic brain injury: integrated approaches to improve prevention, clinical care, and research. Lancet Neurol 2017; 16:987-1048. [DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(17)30371-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 822] [Impact Index Per Article: 117.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Adams ZM, Fins JJ. Penfield's ceiling: Seeing brain injury through Galen's eyes. Neurology 2017; 89:854-858. [PMID: 28827458 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000004267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The cathedral ceiling located in the entrance hall of the Montreal Neurological Institute, planned by its founder Wilder Penfield, has intrigued visitors since it was erected in 1934. Central to its charm is a cryptic comment by the ancient physician Galen of Pergamum, which refutes a dire Hippocratic aphorism about prognosis in brain injury. Galen's optimism, shared by Penfield, is curious from a fellow ancient. In this article, we use primary sources in Ancient Greek as well as secondary sources to not only examine the origins of Galen's epistemology but also, using a methodology in classics scholarship known as reception studies, illustrate how an awareness of this ancient debate can illuminate contemporary clinical contexts. While Galen based his prognostications on direct clinical observations like the Hippocratics, he also engaged in experimental and anatomic work in both animals and humans, which informed his views on neurologic states and outcomes. Penfield's memorialization of Galen is representative of the evolution of the neurosciences and the ongoing importance of evidence-based prognostication in severe brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe M Adams
- From the Consortium for the Advanced Study of Brain Injury (CASBI) (Z.M.A., J.J.F.), Department of Neurology and Brain and Mind Research Institute (Z.M.A.), and Division of Medical Ethics (J.J.F.), Weill Cornell Medical College; and The Rockefeller University (J.J.F.), New York, NY.
| | - Joseph J Fins
- From the Consortium for the Advanced Study of Brain Injury (CASBI) (Z.M.A., J.J.F.), Department of Neurology and Brain and Mind Research Institute (Z.M.A.), and Division of Medical Ethics (J.J.F.), Weill Cornell Medical College; and The Rockefeller University (J.J.F.), New York, NY
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Noé E, Olaya J, Colomer C, Moliner B, Ugart P, Rodriguez C, Llorens R, Ferri J. Current validity of diagnosis of permanent vegetative state: A longitudinal study in a sample of patients with altered states of consciousness. Neurologia 2017; 34:589-595. [PMID: 28712840 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Altered states of consciousness have traditionally been associated with poor prognosis. At present, clinical differences between these entities are beginning to be established. METHOD Our study included 37 patients diagnosed with vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) and 43 in a minimally conscious state (MCS) according to the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). All patients were followed up each month for at least 6 months using the CRS-R. We recorded the time points when vegetative state progressed from 'persistent' to 'permanent' based on the cut-off points established by the Multi-Society-Task-Force: 12 months in patients with traumatic injury and 3 months in those with non-traumatic injury. A logistic regression model was used to determine the factors potentially predicting which patients will emerge from MCS. RESULTS In the UWS group, 23 patients emerged from UWS but only 9 emerged from MCS. Of the 43 patients in the MCS group, 26 patients emerged from that state during follow-up. Eight of the 23 patients (34.7%) who emerged from UWS and 17 of the 35 (48.6%) who emerged from MCS recovered after the time points proposed by the Multi-Society-Task-Force. According to the multivariate regression analysis, aetiology (P<.01), chronicity (P=.01), and CRS-R scores at admission (P<.001) correctly predicted emergence from MCS in 77.5% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS UWS and MCS are different clinical entities in terms of diagnosis and outcomes. Some of the factors traditionally associated with poor prognosis, such as time from injury and likelihood of recovery, should be revaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Noé
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España.
| | - J Olaya
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España
| | - C Colomer
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España
| | - B Moliner
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España
| | - P Ugart
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España
| | - C Rodriguez
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España
| | - R Llorens
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España; Neurorehabilitation and Brain Research Group, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Bioingeniería, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, España
| | - J Ferri
- Servicio de Neurorrehabilitación y Daño Cerebral, Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Fundación Hospitales Vithas-NISA, Valencia, España
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Differential Diagnosis and Management of Incomplete Locked-In Syndrome after Traumatic Brain Injury. Case Rep Neurol Med 2017; 2017:6167052. [PMID: 28695029 PMCID: PMC5488530 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6167052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is a rare diagnosis in which patients present with quadriplegia, lower cranial nerve paralysis, and mutism. It is clinically difficult to differentiate from other similarly presenting diagnoses with no standard approach for assessing such poorly responsive patients. The purpose of this case is to highlight the clinical differential diagnosis process and outcomes of a patient with LIS during acute inpatient rehabilitation. A 32-year-old female was admitted following traumatic brain injury. She presented with quadriplegia and mutism but was awake and aroused based on eye gaze communication. The rehabilitation team was able to diagnose incomplete LIS based on knowledge of neuroanatomy and clinical reasoning. Establishing this diagnosis allowed for an individualized treatment plan that focused on communication, coping, family training, and discharge planning. The patient was ultimately able to discharge home with a single caregiver, improving her quality of life. Continued evidence highlights the benefits of intensive comprehensive therapy for those with acquired brain injury such as LIS, but access is still limited for those with a seemingly poor prognosis. Access to a multidisciplinary, specialized team provides opportunity for continued assessment and individualized treatment as the patient attains more medical stability, improving long-term management.
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Day KV, DiNapoli MV, Whyte J. Detecting early recovery of consciousness: a comparison of methods. Neuropsychol Rehabil 2017; 28:1233-1241. [PMID: 28385054 DOI: 10.1080/09602011.2017.1309322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Early detection of the return of consciousness has important implications for prognosis and rehabilitation access. The aim of this study was to compare the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) with individualised quantitative behavioural assessments (IQBA) to determine which method is capable of detecting command-following earlier and more consistently in persons with disorders of consciousness (DoC). Data from 27 patients with DoC, who underwent both assessments concurrently during inpatient rehabilitation, were retrospectively analysed. For each person, performance trajectories on the CRS-R auditory subscale item and IQBA dual command protocols were graphed together to identify earlier and more consistent evidence of consciousness; grouped data were analysed statistically. For 22 patients, IQBA more consistently documented consciousness than the CRS-R, whereas no patients showed the reverse pattern. For 14 of 20 analysable patients, IQBA provided earlier evidence of consciousness, for two patients CRS-R provided earlier evidence, and for four patients both methods provided initial evidence on the same day. These findings suggest that IQBA approaches can provide more consistent and earlier evidence of command-following than the comparable item on the CRS-R. Whether this advantage is due to the individualisation of IQBA or the greater volume of data gathered requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin V Day
- a Department of Physical Therapy , Arcadia University , Glenside , PA , USA.,b Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Einstein Healthcare Network , Elkins Park , PA , USA
| | | | - John Whyte
- b Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Einstein Healthcare Network , Elkins Park , PA , USA
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Sawyer KN, Callaway CW, Wagner AK. Life After Death: Surviving Cardiac Arrest—an Overview of Epidemiology, Best Acute Care Practices, and Considerations for Rehabilitation Care. CURRENT PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION REPORTS 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s40141-017-0148-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Posttraumatic Hydrocephalus as a Confounding Influence on Brain Injury Rehabilitation: Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, and Outcomes. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2016; 98:312-319. [PMID: 27670926 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2016.08.478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe incidence, clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes in posttraumatic hydrocephalus (PTH) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) for patients treated in an inpatient rehabilitation program. DESIGN Cohort study with retrospective comparative analysis. SETTING Inpatient rehabilitation hospital. PARTICIPANTS All patients admitted for TBI from 2009 to 2013 diagnosed with PTH (N=59), defined as ventriculomegaly, delayed clinical recovery discordant with injury severity, hydrocephalus symptoms, or positive lumbar puncture results. INTERVENTIONS None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Primary measures were incidence of PTH and patient and injury characteristics. Secondary measures included frequency and timing of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt, related complications, emergence from and duration of posttraumatic amnesia (PTA), Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) score, and FIM score at rehabilitation admission and discharge. RESULTS Of 701 patients with TBI admitted, 59 (8%) were diagnosed with PTH. Of these, the median age was 25 years, with 73% being men. At initial presentation, 52 (88%) did not follow commands. Fifty-two (90%) patients with PTH had a VP shunt placed. Median time from injury to shunt placement was 69 (range, 9-366) days. Seven (12%) patients with PTH experienced postsurgical seizure, 3 (6%) had shunt infection, and 7 (12%) had shunt malfunction. Thirty-six (61%) patients with PTH emerged from PTA during rehabilitation. Median total FIM score at rehabilitation admission was 20 (range, 18-76), and at discharge it was 43 (range, 18-118). Injury severity predicted outcome at rehabilitation admission, whereas shunt timing predicted outcome at rehabilitation discharge. CONCLUSIONS Incidence of PTH was observed in 8% of patients with TBI in inpatient rehabilitation. Earlier shunting predicted improved outcome during rehabilitation. Future studies should prospectively examine clinical decision rules, type, and timing of intervention and the coeffectiveness of rehabilitation treatment on outcomes.
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De Tanti A, Saviola D, Basagni B, Cavatorta S, Chiari M, Casalino S, De Bernardi D, Galvani R. Recovery of consciousness after 7 years in vegetative state of non-traumatic origin: A single case study. Brain Inj 2016; 30:1029-34. [DOI: 10.3109/02699052.2016.1147078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Smart CM, Giacino JT. Exploring caregivers’ knowledge of and receptivity toward novel diagnostic tests and treatments for persons with post-traumatic disorders of consciousness. NeuroRehabilitation 2015; 37:117-30. [DOI: 10.3233/nre-151244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Colette M. Smart
- JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute, JFK Medical Center, Edison, NJ, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Joseph T. Giacino
- JFK-Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and the New Jersey Neuroscience Institute, JFK Medical Center, Edison, NJ, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Belardinelli MO, Buonocunto F, D'Amico F, Navarro J, Lanzilotti C, Denitto F, De Tommaso M, Megna M. Supporting self-managed leisure engagement and communication in post-coma persons with multiple disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 38:75-83. [PMID: 25546297 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Post-coma persons affected by extensive motor impairment and lack of speech, with or without disorders of consciousness, need special support to manage leisure engagement and communication. These two studies extended research efforts aimed at assessing basic technology-aided programs to provide such support. Specifically, Study I assessed a program for promoting independent stimulation choice in four post-coma persons who combined motor and speech disabilities with disorders of consciousness (i.e., were rated between the minimally conscious state and the emergence from such state). Study II assessed a program for promoting independent television operation and basic communication in three post-coma participants who, contrary to those involved in Study I, did not have disorders of consciousness (i.e., had emerged from a minimally conscious state). The results of the studies were largely positive with substantial levels of independent stimulation choice and access for the participants of Study I and independent television operation and communication for the participants of Study II. The results were analyzed in relation to previous data in the area and in terms of their implications for daily contexts dealing with these persons.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Fiora D'Amico
- S. Raffaele Rehabilitation and Care Centers, Ceglie and Alberobello, Italy
| | - Jorge Navarro
- S. Raffaele Rehabilitation and Care Centers, Ceglie and Alberobello, Italy
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Pistoia F, Sacco S, Franceschini M, Sarà M, Pistarini C, Cazzulani B, Simonelli I, Pasqualetti P, Carolei A. Comorbidities: a key issue in patients with disorders of consciousness. J Neurotrauma 2015; 32:682-8. [PMID: 25333386 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2014.3659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the impact of comorbidities on outcomes of patients with vegetative state (VS) or minimally conscious state (MCS). All patients in VS or MCS consecutively admitted to two postacute care units within a 1-year period were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months through the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised Version and the Disability Rating Scale (DRS). Comorbidities were also recorded for each patient along the same period. Six-month outcomes included death, full recovery of consciousness, and functional improvement. One hundred and thirty-nine patients (88 male and 51 female; median age, 59 years) were included. Ninety-seven patients were in VS (70%) and 42 in MCS (30%). At 6 months, 33 patients were dead (24%), 39 had a full recovery of consciousness (28%), and 67 remained in VS or MCS (48%). According to DRS scores, 40% of patients (n=55) showed a functional improvement in the level of disability. One hundred and thirty patients (94%) showed at least one comorbidity. Severity of comorbidities (hazard ratio [HR]=2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-4.68; p<0.001) and the presence of ischemic or organic heart diseases (HR=2.6; 95% CI, 1.21-5.43; p=0.014) were the strongest predictors of death, together with increasing age (HR=1.0; 95% CI, 1.0-1.06; p=0.033). Respiratory diseases and arrhythmias without organic heart diseases were negative predictors of full recovery of consciousness (odds ratio [OR]=0.3; 95% CI, 0.12-0.7; p=0.006; OR=0.2; 95% CI, 0.07-0.43; p<0.001) and functional improvement (OR=0.4; 95% CI, 0.15-0.85, p=0.020; OR=0.2; 95% CI, 0.08-0.45; p<0.001). Our data show that comorbidities are common in these patients and some of them influence recovery of consciousness and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pistoia
- 1 Neurological Institute, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila, Italy
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Lancioni GE, Singh NN, O'Reilly MF, Sigafoos J, Olivetti Belardinelli M, Buonocunto F, D'Amico F, Navarro J, Lanzilotti C, Ferlisi G, Denitto F. Technology-aided programs for post-coma patients emerged from or in a minimally conscious state. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:931. [PMID: 25538593 PMCID: PMC4257021 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-coma persons in a minimally conscious state (MCS) or emerged/emerging from such state (E-MCS), who are affected by extensive motor impairment and lack of speech, may develop an active role and interact with their environment with the help of technology-aided intervention programs. Although a number of studies have been conducted in this area during the last few years, new evidence about the efficacy of those programs is warranted. These three studies were an effort in that direction. Study I assessed a technology-aided program to enable six MCS participants to access preferred environmental stimulation independently. Studies II and III assessed technology-aided programs to enable six E-MCS participants to make choices. In Study II, three of those participants were led to choose among leisure and social stimuli, and caregiver interventions automatically presented to them. In Study III, the remaining three participants were led to choose (a) among general stimulus/intervention options (e.g., songs, video-recordings of family members, and caregiver interventions); and then (b) among variants of those options. The results of all three studies were largely positive with substantial increases of independent stimulation access for the participants of Study I and independent choice behavior for the participants of Studies II and III. The results were analyzed in relation to previous data and in terms of their implications for daily contexts working with MCS and E-MCS persons affected by multiple disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio E Lancioni
- Department of Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Bari, Italy
| | - Nirbhay N Singh
- Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Mark F O'Reilly
- Department of Special Education, University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX, USA
| | - Jeff Sigafoos
- Department of Educational Psychology, Victoria University of Wellington Wellington, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Fiora D'Amico
- S. Raffaele Rehabilitation and Care Centers Ceglie and Alberobello, Italy
| | - Jorge Navarro
- S. Raffaele Rehabilitation and Care Centers Ceglie and Alberobello, Italy
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Steppacher I, Kaps M, Kissler J. Will time heal? A long-term follow-up of severe disorders of consciousness. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2014; 1:401-8. [PMID: 25356410 PMCID: PMC4184668 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.63] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2014] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Little is known about the long-term outcome of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOCs) such as unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) or minimally conscious state (MCS). We describe the disease course of a large group of DOC patients 2–14 years after brain damage. Methods In 102 patients (59 UWS, 43 MCS), clinical and demographic variables from disorder onset were related to the patients' outcomes 2–14 years after discharge. Etiology, age at event, time since onset, gender, and home care versus institutional care were assessed as predictors and similarities and differences between UWS and MCS determined. Results Seventy-one percent of the patients had passed away or showed no improvement in condition. Twenty-nine percent regained consciousness and developed some communicative capacities. The time a syndrome persisted did not predict clinical outcome in either condition. Six patients regained consciousness after more than 3 years. Of these, five had been UWS (42% of recovered UWS, three traumatic origins, one tumor, one hypoxia) and one MCS (5% of recovered MCS, traumatic origin). In UWS, younger patients, those cared for at home, and in tendency those with traumatic origins, were more likely to recover. In MCS, no reliable outcome predictors were found. Interpretation Current predictors are too vague for single patient predictions. This study identifies a subgroup of late-recovering patients, casting doubt on the 12-month boundary, after which UWS is stated to be permanent. Routine reexamination, use of more reliable outcome predictors and research determining optimal care settings are needed to inform the crucial decisions made for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Steppacher
- Department for Psychology, University of Bielefeld Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany
| | - Michael Kaps
- Early Rehabilitation Unit, Lurija Institut, Kliniken Schmieder Allensbach Zum Tafelholz 8, Allensbach, 78476, Germany
| | - Johanna Kissler
- Department for Psychology, University of Bielefeld Universitätsstr. 25, Bielefeld, 33615, Germany
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Zhang H, Sun X, Liu S, Chen Y, Ling F. Neuronal activation by acupuncture at Yongquan (KI1) and sham acupoints in patients with disorder of consciousness: a positron emission tomography study. Neural Regen Res 2014; 9:500-1. [PMID: 25206845 PMCID: PMC4153502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.130070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xinting Sun
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing, China
| | - Sujuan Liu
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Fuxing Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yingmao Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Feng Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Disorders of consciousness after acquired brain injury: the state of the science. Nat Rev Neurol 2014; 10:99-114. [PMID: 24468878 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2013.279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 445] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The concept of consciousness continues to defy definition and elude the grasp of philosophical and scientific efforts to formulate a testable construct that maps to human experience. Severe acquired brain injury results in the dissolution of consciousness, providing a natural model from which key insights about consciousness may be drawn. In the clinical setting, neurologists and neurorehabilitation specialists are called on to discern the level of consciousness in patients who are unable to communicate through word or gesture, and to project outcomes and recommend approaches to treatment. Standards of care are not available to guide clinical decision-making for this population, often leading to inconsistent, inaccurate and inappropriate care. In this Review, we describe the state of the science with regard to clinical management of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness. We review consciousness-altering pathophysiological mechanisms, specific clinical syndromes, and novel diagnostic and prognostic applications of advanced neuroimaging and electrophysiological procedures. We conclude with a provocative discussion of bioethical and medicolegal issues that are unique to this population and have a profound impact on care, as well as raising questions of broad societal interest.
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