Conceptual dilemmas in evaluating individuals with severely impaired consciousness
Authors:
Wing K. Ng a;
Risa Nakase Thompson a;
Stuart A. Yablon a;
Mark Sherer a
| Affiliation: | a TBI Model System of Mississippi, Mississippi Methodist Rehabilitation Center, Mississippi, USA. |
DOI:
10.1080/02699050120612
Publication Frequency:
14 issues per year
Formats available:
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(English)
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Abstract
States of severely impaired consciousness (SIC) are characterized by cognitive and motor limitations. This case report describes a 45-year-old female with impaired consciousness who began to 'walk'. She initially presented to the hospital unresponsive and was subsequently diagnosed with metabolic encephalopathy due to severe hypoglycaemia. Traditional indices of consciousness indicated a low level of responsiveness; however, during physical therapy, she displayed reciprocal walking movements when lifted to a standing position by two therapists. Despite her ability to walk increased distances during and after neurorehabilitation, she was unable to consistently demonstrate responses indicative of higher levels of consciousness. This case illustrates the challenge of rating patients with limited behavioural repertoire using established measures of impaired consciousness.
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