minimally conscious state

Introduction

A term retrospectively applied to rare individuals who recover (in part) from a persistent vegetative state.

Clinical trials

• among 39 patients in a minimally conscious state, after 5 years
  • 14 died
  • 9 remained in a minimally conscious state
  • 13 regained consciousness (but remained severely disabled)
  • 3 were lost to follow-up

More general terms

• disorder of arousal; lack of awareness; impaired consciousness

Additional terms

• persistent vegetative state