Mayo Clinic proceedings
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Mayo Clinic proceedings · Aug 2005
ReviewClinical diagnosis of prolonged states of impaired consciousness in adults.
A prolonged state of impaired consciousness is a devastating consequence of severe structural brain injury but fortunately is uncommon. Patients may be diagnosed as being in a persistent vegetative state, having akinetic mutism, or being in a minimally conscious state. ⋯ For patients diagnosed as being in a permanent (irreversible) vegetative state, hope for a clinically meaningful recovery is unrealistic after 1 year. Prolonged survival is possible only with meticulous care and aggressive medical intervention to prevent and treat systemic complications.