Prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC): assessment
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC): assessment. State of wakefulness but with absent or reduced awareness. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Diagnostic criteria for PDOC
- State of wakefulness but with absent or reduced awareness
- The duration is > 4 weeks
- It is established by a trained assessor
- Reversible causes must be excluded
Types of PDOC
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Vegetative state (VS)
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Minimally conscious state (VS)
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Management guidelines
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Validated assessment tools
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References
- Turner-Stokes L. Prolonged disorders of consciousness: new national clinical guidelines from the Royal College of Physicians, London. Clin Med 2014; 14:4-5.
- Wade D. Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness: more than a clinical challenge. Pract Neurol 2014; 14:2-3.
- Hermann B, Salah AB, Perlbarg V, et al. Habituation of auditory startle reflex is a new sign of minimally conscious state. Brain 2020; 143:2154-2172.
