A Learning Set Up for Detecting Minimally Conscious State (MCS).
10.5535/arm.2012.36.3.428
- Author:
Eun Joo KIM
1
;
Jeong Mi PARK
;
Wan Ho KIM
;
Kwang Lai LEE
;
Han Na KIM
;
Ko Eun LEE
;
Jeong Joon PARK
;
Kwang Ok AHN
Author Information
1. Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, National Rehabilitation Hospital, Seoul 141-070, Korea. lovingtous@naver.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Minimally conscious state;
Microswitch-based technology;
Learning sign
- MeSH:
Aged;
Coma;
Female;
Humans;
Learning;
Persistent Vegetative State
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2012;36(3):428-431
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Detecting signs of learning in persons diagnosed to be in a post-coma vegetative state and minimally conscious state (MCS) may modify their diagnosis. We report the case of a 65-year-old female in a vegetative state. We used microswitch-based technology that is based on patient response to eye-blinking. We followed an ABABCB design, in which A represented baseline periods, B intervention periods with stimuli contingent on the responses, and C a control condition with stimuli presented non-contingently. We observed the level of response during the B phases was higher than the level of A and C phases. This indicated the patient showed signs of learning. This state was confirmed by an evaluation through the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRSR) score, and after completion of this study her CRSR score changed from 4 to 10. We believe microswitch technology may be useful to make a diagnosis of MCS and offer new opportunities for education to MCS patients.
