Abstract
The minimally conscious state (MCS) is a condition of severely altered consciousness in which minimal but definite behavioral evidence of self- or environmental awareness is shown. Diagnostic criteria recently have been proposed for entry into and emergence from the MCS. We present clinical and neuroimaging data on 5 children diagnosed with MCS and discuss the limited information available concerning its epidemiology, etiology, pathology, and prognosis. Issues related to the evaluation and care of children suspected of having MCS are also reviewed as well as current ethical and legal controversies.
MeSH terms
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Adolescent
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Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / diagnosis
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Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / genetics
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Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors / pathology
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Awareness / physiology*
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Brain / abnormalities
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Brain / pathology
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Brain Damage, Chronic / diagnosis
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Brain Damage, Chronic / etiology
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Brain Damage, Chronic / pathology
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Brain Injury, Chronic / diagnosis
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Brain Injury, Chronic / etiology
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Brain Injury, Chronic / pathology
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Child
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Child, Preschool
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Coma / diagnosis
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Coma / etiology
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Coma / pathology
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Consciousness Disorders / diagnosis*
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Consciousness Disorders / etiology
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Consciousness Disorders / pathology
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Diffuse Axonal Injury / diagnosis
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Diffuse Axonal Injury / etiology
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Diffuse Axonal Injury / pathology
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Female
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Humans
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Huntington Disease / diagnosis
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Huntington Disease / genetics
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Huntington Disease / pathology
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Hypoxia, Brain / diagnosis
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Hypoxia, Brain / etiology
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Hypoxia, Brain / pathology
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Infant
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Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
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Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy*
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Male
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Neurologic Examination
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Propionates / blood
Substances
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Propionates
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propionic acid