State in which a patient, though technically alive, has only rudimentary brain functioning. (634)
A state following very severe injury in which patients remain speechless and devoid of any meaningful contact with others. Patients show sleep/wake cycles but no evidence of conscious awareness. The condition is due to very extensive damage to the fibres under the cerebral cortex. PVS should be distinguished from the LOCKED IN STATE (qv).
a state in which the cerebral cortex - the thinking, feeling part of the brain - stops working. People in this condition cannot understand anything that is going on around them and cannot communicate or make voluntary movements. However, the more primitive part of their brain - the brain stem - is largely unaffected.
Some people in comas lapse into a persistent vegetative state. The NINDS says: "Individuals in such a state have lost their thinking abilities and awareness of their surroundings, but retain non-cognitive function and normal sleep patterns. Even though those in a persistent vegetative state lose their higher brain functions, other key functions such as breathing and circulation remain relatively intact. Spontaneous movements may occur, and the eyes may open in response to external stimuli. They may even occasionally grimace, cry or laugh. Although individuals in a persistent vegetative state may appear somewhat normal, they do not speak and they are unable to respond to commands."
A condition in which the patient is unable to speak or follow simple commands and does not respond in any psychologically meaningful way. The transition from coma to a vegetative condition reflects changes from a period of no response to the internal or external environment (other than reflexively) to a state of wakefulness but with no indication of awareness.
A condition in which a patient is unable to speak or follow simple commands and does not respond in any psychologically meaningful way. Jump to Top
A long-standing condition in which the patient utters no words and does not follow commands or make any response that is meaningful. See Persistent Unawareness.
Same as "permanently unconscious state."
The permanent absence of consciousness. Neocortical death is one criterion for this. (Also called "persistent noncognitive state.")
an ongoing state of severely impaired consciousness, in which the patient is incapable of voluntary motion.
A condition in which the injured party utters no words and does not follow commands or make meaningful responses.
A persistent loss of brain function that leaves the patient awake but unaware. The condition does not require respiratory or circulatory support (a ventilator).
A coma which results from the loss of brain functions relating to consciousness and feelings although the body may continue to function.
A persistent vegetative state (PVS) is a permanent condition of patients with severe brain damage in whom coma has progressed to a state of wakefulness without detectable awareness.
