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Magliacano A, De Bellis F, Panico F, Sagliano L, Trojano L, Sandroni C, Estraneo A. Long-term clinical evolution of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness due to severe anoxic brain injury: A meta-analytic study. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3913-3927. [PMID: 37246500 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The prognosis of prolonged (28 days to 3 months post-onset) disorders of consciousness (pDoC) due to anoxic brain injury is uncertain. The present study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcome of post-anoxic pDoC and identify the possible predictive value of demographic and clinical information. METHOD This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. The rates of mortality, any improvement in clinical diagnosis, and recovery of full consciousness at least 6 months after severe anoxic brain injury were evaluated. A cross-sectional approach searched for differences in baseline demographic and clinical characteristics between survivors and non-survivors, patients improved versus not improved, and patients who recovered full consciousness versus not recovered. RESULTS Twenty-seven studies were identified. The pooled rates of mortality, any clinical improvement and recovery of full consciousness were 26%, 26% and 17%, respectively. Younger age, baseline diagnosis of minimally conscious state versus vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, higher Coma Recovery Scale Revised total score, and earlier admission to intensive rehabilitation units were associated with a significantly higher likelihood of survival and clinical improvement. These same variables, except time of admission to rehabilitation, were also associated with recovery of full consciousness. CONCLUSIONS Patients with anoxic pDoC might improve over time up to full recovery of consciousness and some clinical characteristics can help predict clinical improvement. These new insights could support clinicians and caregivers in the decision-making on patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesco De Bellis
- Polo specialistico riabilitativo, Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi, Italy
| | - Francesco Panico
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Laura Sagliano
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Luigi Trojano
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Claudio Sandroni
- Department of Intensive Care, Emergency Medicine and Anaesthesiology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario 'Agostino Gemelli' IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Estraneo
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi ONLUS, Florence, Italy
- SM Della Pietà General Hospital, Nola, Italy
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2
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Carlson JM, Lin DJ. Prognostication in Prolonged and Chronic Disorders of Consciousness. Semin Neurol 2023; 43:744-757. [PMID: 37758177 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1775792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (DOCs) longer than 28 days may continue to make significant gains and achieve functional recovery. Occasionally, this recovery trajectory may extend past 3 (for nontraumatic etiologies) and 12 months (for traumatic etiologies) into the chronic period. Prognosis is influenced by several factors including state of DOC, etiology, and demographics. There are several testing modalities that may aid prognostication under active investigation including electroencephalography, functional and anatomic magnetic resonance imaging, and event-related potentials. At this time, only one treatment (amantadine) has been routinely recommended to improve functional recovery in prolonged DOC. Given that some patients with prolonged or chronic DOC have the potential to recover both consciousness and functional status, it is important for neurologists experienced in prognostication to remain involved in their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Carlson
- Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Neurology, University of North Carolina Hospital, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - David J Lin
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Division of Neurocritical Care and Stroke Service, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Center for Neurorestoration and Neurotechnology, Rehabilitation Research and Development Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Providence, Rhode Island
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3
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Long-Term Outcomes among Patients with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13020194. [PMID: 36831737 PMCID: PMC9954359 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13020194] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term survival and functional outcomes of patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) 1-8 years after brain injuries. METHODS Retrospective study to assess the long-term survival and functional outcomes of patients with pDoC was conducted. We performed Cox regression and multivariate logistic regression to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for the outcome of survival and to identify risk factors of the functional outcome. RESULTS We recruited 154 patients with pDoC. The duration of follow-up from disease onset was 1-8 years. The median age was 46 years (IQR, 32-59), and 65.6% (n = 101) of them were men. During the follow-up period, one hundred and ten patients (71.4%) survived; among them, 52 patients had a good outcome. From the overall survival curve, the 1-, 3-, and 8-year survival rates of patients were about 80.5%, 72.0%, and 69.7%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed a significant association between the lower APACHE II score (p = 0.005) (cut-off score ≥ 18) and the presence of sleep spindles (p = 0.001) with survival. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a higher CRS-R score (cut-off score ≥ 7), and presence of sleep spindles were related to a favorable outcome among patients with pDoC. CONCLUSIONS Sleep spindles are correlated with both long-term survival and long-term functional outcome in pDoC patients.
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Young M, Peterson AH. Neuroethics across the Disorders of Consciousness Care Continuum. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:375-392. [PMID: 35738293 DOI: 10.1055/a-1883-0701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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5
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Aubinet C, Schnakers C, Majerus S. Language Assessment in Patients with Disorders of Consciousness. Semin Neurol 2022; 42:273-282. [PMID: 36100226 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of residual language abilities in patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) after severe brain injury is particularly challenging due to their limited behavioral repertoire. Moreover, associated language impairment such as receptive aphasia may lead to an underestimation of actual consciousness levels. In this review, we examine past research on the assessment of residual language processing in DoC patients, and we discuss currently available tools for identifying language-specific abilities and their prognostic value. We first highlight the need for validated and sensitive bedside behavioral assessment tools for residual language abilities in DoC patients. As regards neuroimaging and electrophysiological methods, the tasks involving higher level linguistic commands appear to be the most informative about level of consciousness and have the best prognostic value. Neuroimaging methods should be combined with the most appropriate behavioral tools in multimodal assessment protocols to assess receptive language abilities in DoC patients in the most complete and sensitive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlène Aubinet
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Centre du Cerveau, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium.,Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Pomona, California
| | - Steve Majerus
- Psychology and Neuroscience of Cognition Research Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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6
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Estraneo A, Magliacano A, Fiorenza S, Formisano R, Grippo A, Angelakis E, Cassol H, Thibaut A, Gosseries O, Lamberti G, Noé E, Bagnato S, Edlow BL, Chatelle C, Lejeune N, Veeramuthu V, Bartolo M, Mattia D, Toppi J, Zasler N, Schnakers C, Trojano L. Risk factors for 2-year mortality in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness: An international multicentre study. Eur J Neurol 2021; 29:390-399. [PMID: 34657359 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) have a high mortality rate due to medical complications. Because an accurate prognosis is essential for decision-making on patients' management, we analysed data from an international multicentre prospective cohort study to evaluate 2-year mortality rate and bedside predictors of mortality. METHODS We enrolled adult patients in prolonged vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) after traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury within 3 months postinjury. At enrolment, we collected demographic (age, sex), anamnestic (aetiology, time postinjury), clinical (Coma Recovery Scale-Revised [CRS-R], Disability Rating Scale, Nociception Coma Scale-Revised), and neurophysiologic (electroencephalogram [EEG], somatosensory evoked and event-related potentials) data. Patients were followed up to gather data on mortality up to 24 months postinjury. RESULTS Among 143 traumatic (n = 55) and nontraumatic (n = 88) patients (VS/UWS, n = 68, 19 females; MCS, n = 75, 22 females), 41 (28.7%) died within 24 months postinjury. Mortality rate was higher in VS/UWS (42.6%) than in MCS (16%; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression in VS/UWS showed that significant predictors of mortality were older age and lower CRS-R total score, whereas in MCS female sex and absence of alpha rhythm on EEG at study entry were significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that a feasible multimodal assessment in the postacute phase can help clinicians to identify patients with pDoC at higher risk of mortality within 24 months after brain injury. This evidence can help clinicians and patients' families to navigate the complex clinical decision-making process and promote an international standardization of prognostic procedures for patients with pDoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Estraneo
- Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Florence, Italy.,Neurology Unit, Santa Maria della Pietà General Hospital, Nola, Italy
| | - Alfonso Magliacano
- Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Florence, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
| | - Salvatore Fiorenza
- Maugeri Clinical Scientific Institutes, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Laboratory for the Multimodal Evaluation of Disorders of Consciousness, Telese Terme, Italy
| | - Rita Formisano
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonello Grippo
- Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Florence, Italy
| | - Efthymios Angelakis
- Neurosurgery Department, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Helena Cassol
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- Coma Science Group, GIGA Consciousness, University and University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Enrique Noé
- NEURORHB-Neurorehabilitation Service of Vithas Hospitals, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sergio Bagnato
- Unit of Neurophysiology and Unit for Severe Acquired Brain Injuries, Rehabilitation Department, Giuseppe Giglio Foundation, Cefalù, Italy
| | - Brian L Edlow
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Camille Chatelle
- Center for Neurotechnology and Neurorecovery, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicolas Lejeune
- Centre Hospitalier Neurologique William Lennox, Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | | | | | - Donatella Mattia
- Santa Lucia Foundation, Scientific Institute for Research and Health Care, Rome, Italy
| | - Jlenia Toppi
- Department of Computer, Control, and Management Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Nathan Zasler
- Concussion Care Centre of Virginia, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Caroline Schnakers
- Research Institute, Casa Colina Hospital and Centers for Healthcare, Pomona, California, USA
| | - Luigi Trojano
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Caserta, Italy
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7
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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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8
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Kakehi S, Tompkins DM. A Review of Pharmacologic Neurostimulant Use During Rehabilitation and Recovery After Brain Injury. Ann Pharmacother 2021; 55:1254-1266. [PMID: 33435717 DOI: 10.1177/1060028020983607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the efficacy and safety of pharmacologic neurostimulants after neurological injuries such as ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), critically evaluate the available literature, and make recommendations regarding which neurostimulants should be considered for use in clinical practice. DATA SOURCES A literature search of PubMed was performed (1953 to October 2020) to identify relevant articles. Search terms included the following: "neurostimulant, neurorehabilitation" AND "traumatic brain injury, cerebrovascular accident, or stroke." This review is limited to prospective studies and observational trials. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION Relevant English-language studies conducted in humans were considered. DATA SYNTHESIS Cognitive and motor deficits caused by stroke and TBI account for high rates of long-term disability. Although not well-established, pharmacologic agents, broadly characterized as neurostimulants, may be prescribed after brain injury to treat these deficits. When prescribing these medications, it is imperative to be aware of the supporting evidence in order to accurately gauge the risk-benefit profile of each agent. RELEVANCE TO PATIENT CARE AND CLINICAL PRACTICE The following presents a literature review critically evaluating clinical studies that investigate neurostimulant use after brain injury. The intent of this review is to serve as an evidence-based guide for clinicians. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacologic agent with the most supporting literature is amantadine used for cognitive improvement after TBI. Other neurostimulants with positive, despite more limited, evidence include methylphenidate, modafinil, levodopa, and citalopram. Caution is warranted with other neurostimulants given higher rates of adverse effects or lack of benefit observed in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumie Kakehi
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Danielle M Tompkins
- Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.,Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
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9
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Tang H, Zhu Q, Li W, Qin S, Gong Y, Wang H, Shioda S, Li S, Huang J, Liu B, Fang Y, Liu Y, Wang S, Guo Y, Xia Q, Guo Y, Xu Z. Neurophysiology and Treatment of Disorders of Consciousness Induced by Traumatic Brain Injury: Orexin Signaling as a Potential Therapeutic Target. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4208-4220. [PMID: 31663471 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191029101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause disorders of consciousness (DOC) by impairing the neuronal circuits of the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) structures, including the hypothalamus, which are responsible for the maintenance of the wakefulness and awareness. However, the effectiveness of drugs targeting ARAS activation is still inadequate, and novel therapeutic modalities are urgently needed. METHODS The goal of this work is to describe the neural loops of wakefulness, and explain how these elements participate in DOC, with emphasis on the identification of potential new therapeutic options for DOC induced by TBI. RESULTS Hypothalamus has been identified as a sleep/wake center, and its anterior and posterior regions have diverse roles in the regulation of the sleep/wake function. In particular, the posterior hypothalamus (PH) possesses several types of neurons, including the orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) with widespread projections to other wakefulness-related regions of the brain. Orexins have been known to affect feeding and appetite, and recently their profound effect on sleep disorders and DOC has been identified. Orexin antagonists are used for the treatment of insomnia, and orexin agonists can be used for narcolepsy. Additionally, several studies demonstrated that the agonists of orexin might be effective in the treatment of DOC, providing novel therapeutic opportunities in this field. CONCLUSION The hypothalamic-centered orexin has been adopted as the point of entry into the system of consciousness control, and modulators of orexin signaling opened several therapeutic opportunities for the treatment of DOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiling Tang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiumei Zhu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wei Li
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Siru Qin
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinan Gong
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Seiji Shioda
- Peptide Drug Innovation, Global Research Center for Innovative Life Science, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-4-41 Ebara, Shinagawa, Tokyo 142-8501, Japan
| | - Shanshan Li
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Baohu Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Fang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongming Guo
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qing Xia
- Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Acupuncture Research Center, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Acu-moxibustion and Tuina Department, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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10
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Vanhaudenhuyse A, Charland-Verville V, Thibaut A, Chatelle C, Tshibanda JFL, Maudoux A, Faymonville ME, Laureys S, Gosseries O. Conscious While Being Considered in an Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome for 20 Years. Front Neurol 2018; 9:671. [PMID: 30233480 PMCID: PMC6127614 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in our understanding of consciousness disorders, accurate diagnosis of severely brain-damaged patients is still a major clinical challenge. We here present the case of a patient who was considered in an unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state for 20 years. Repeated standardized behavioral examinations combined to neuroimaging assessments allowed us to show that this patient was in fact fully conscious and was able to functionally communicate. We thus revised the diagnosis into an incomplete locked-in syndrome, notably because the main brain lesion was located in the brainstem. Clinical examinations of severe brain injured patients suffering from serious motor impairment should systematically include repeated standardized behavioral assessments and, when possible, neuroimaging evaluations encompassing magnetic resonance imaging and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Vanhaudenhuyse
- Department of Algology and Palliative Care, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,GIGA-Consciousness, Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Vanessa Charland-Verville
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Aurore Thibaut
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Neuromodulation Center, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Camille Chatelle
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Laboratory for NeuroImaging of Coma and Consciousness-Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jean-Flory L Tshibanda
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Department of Radiology, University Hospital of Liege and University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Audrey Maudoux
- GIGA-Consciousness, Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Marie-Elisabeth Faymonville
- Department of Algology and Palliative Care, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium.,GIGA-Consciousness, Sensation & Perception Research Group, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Steven Laureys
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Olivia Gosseries
- GIGA-Consciousness, Coma Science Group & Neurology Department, University Hospital of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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