This chapter provides an overview of the clinical aspects of the minimally conscious state (MCS), a condition defined to distinguish patients who retain at least one behavioral sign of consciousness from those who appear to be completely unconscious. The authors begin by outlining the diagnostic criteria for MCS, emphasizing the clinical features that differentiate this condition from related disorders. This is followed by a review of existing approaches to assessment with special attention to factors that confound diagnostic accuracy. The next section provides a critical review of available treatment options for this population, and identifies gaps in the existing evidence base. The chapter concludes with practice-based recommendations for clinical management of MCS.
Author(s):
Tulsky, D.S., Kisala, P.A., Victorson, D., Choi, S., Gershon, R., Heinemann, A.W., & Cella, D,F.
