Sample Solution

The vegetative and minimally conscious states are disorders of consciousness that are a consequence of a coma that persists for an extended period of time. The vegetative state is characterized by a lack of awareness of self and environment and sleep and wake cycles, in which patient’s may keep their eyes open or closed for hours at a time. Brain stem autonomic and hypothalamic functions, such as breathing, heart rate, and regulation of body temperature, are also maintained. The minimally conscious state is characterized by sleep and wake cycles and purposeful movements, such as reaching for an object and following commands. Patients may be able to visually fixate by maintaining eye contact on an object and following the object if it moved. They may also be able respond to sensory information, such as pain, via verbalization. These states can be caused by traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries that negatively impact and suppress neurological functions. Studies have implicated genetic factors and neurological underpinnings in the susceptibility of entering the vegetative and minimally conscious states. Additionally, researchers have investigated the use of drugs to arouse patients from these states. This review seeks to explore the neurological processes that characterize the vegetative and minimally conscious states.

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Vegetative and Minimally Conscious State: A Review of Neurological Processes

The definition of consciousness varies depending on the theoretical and biological framework that is being considered. Psychoanalysts describe consciousness as the interaction between the external perception of the environment via sensory organs and internal perception of self (Solms, 1997). Thus, perceiving the world using vision, sight, sound, touch, and taste – and integrating that information into psychological or emotional states, such as anger, fear, happiness, pain, etc, – that is unique to the individual constitutes consciousness. Biologically, consciousness is a result of the neurological processes that occur in the brain (Miller, 2005). By incorporating both perspectives of consciousness, alter