Assessment and treatment of the minimally conscious state

CITATION

Rosenbaum, A. M., and Giacino, J. T. (2015). Clinical management of the minimally conscious state. Handb. Clin. Neurol. 127, 395–410. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-444-52892-6.00025-8

SUMMARY

This chapter discusses the minimally conscious state (MCS) and provides guidance for the assessment and treatment of MCS. Included in the chapter is a review of current assessment measures, imaging options, pharmacological considerations, environmental management, and treatment interventions. They noted some gaps in the literature and provide practice-based recommendations and rationale for clinicians to consider and hopefully bring into practice.

I PICKED THIS ARTICLE BECAUSE I thought this was a nice introduction for people less familiar with management of the minimally conscious state, while also being a useful update for those already familiar with some of the original research done back in the early 2000s. In recent years there has been more in depth study of the minimally conscious state and related disorders of consciousness.

This month's rehabilitation science spotlight was chosen by Timothy Shea, PsyD., The Ohio State University, Dept. of PM&R; Member of Div 22 Science Committee.