Disorders of Consciousness Classification and Taxonomy

In this article, we discuss the taxonomy associated with the four major disorders of consciousness (DoC): coma, vegetative state or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, minimally conscious state, and post-traumatic confusional state. We briefly review the history of each disorder and then provide operational definitions and diagnostic criteria for each one. We rely heavily on recently released practice guidelines and, where appropriate, identify knowledge gaps and discuss future directions to advance DoC research and practice.

Automated summary

This article discusses the classification associated with the four major disorders of consciousness (DoC): coma, vegetative state or unresponsive wakefulness syndrome, minimally conscious state, and post-traumatic confusional state. The history of each disorder are briefly reviewed and operational definitions and diagnostic criteria are provided. The article heavily relies on recently released practice guidelines and identifies knowledge gaps and discusses future directions to advance DoC research and practice.