A Novel Prognostic Approach to Predict Recovery in Patients with Chronic Disorders of Consciousness

Severe brain injury can lead to acute or chronic disorders of consciousness (DOC), and the latter represents a more critical challenge in diagnosis and management. For most chronic unconsciousness survivors with preserved sleepwake cycles, including vegetative state (VS) and minimally conscious state (MCS), levels of consciousness are commonly monitored and determined based on behavioral evidence. VS, also termed unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS), is characterized by complete absence of awareness and may be associated with poor recovery, while MCS exhibit discernible behavioral signs of environmental or self- awareness [1]. Since nearly 40% patients in MCS are initially misdiagnosed as VS/UWS due to the limitation of the existing diagnostic criterion, it is therefore necessary to define the accurate diagnostic and prognostic categorization for long-term outcome [2].