Synonyms
Minimally conscious state
Definition
The minimally responsive state is an older term that is synonymous with a minimally conscious state (MCS). MCS is a point along a continuum of consciousness in which the patient demonstrates limited awareness of self and the environment. MCS is characterized by inconsistent but appropriate verbal or gestural responses, intelligible verbalization, and non-reflexive, purposeful behavior.
Current Knowledge
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of MCS depends on the demonstration of one or more of the following in a sustained or reproducible way: comprehension of simple commands, gestural or verbal yes/no responses, intelligible verbalization, or purposeful behavior. These may be elicited using the JFK Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (Giacino et al. 2004) or through individual quantitative assessment, such as that described by (Giacino and Whyte 2005).
Prognosis
The natural history, prognostic factors, and outcomes related to MCS are difficult to discern because...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References and Readings
Giacino, J. T., & Whyte, J. (2005). The vegetative and minimally conscious states: Current knowledge and remaining questions. Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 20, 30–50.
Giacino, J. T., Ashwal, S., Childs, N., Cranford, R., Jennett, B., Katz, D. I., et al. (2002). The minimally conscious state: Definition and diagnostic criteria. Neurology, 58, 349–353.
Giacino, J. T., Kalmar, K., & Whyte, J. (2004). The JFK Coma Recovery Scale – Revised: Measurement characteristics and diagnostic utility. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85, 2020–2029.
Whyte, J., Katz, D., Long, D., DiPasquale, M., Polansky, M., Kalmar, K. K., et al. (2005). Predictors of outcome in prolonged posttraumatic disorders of consciousness and assessment of medication effects: A multicenter study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 86, 453–462.
Wijdicks, E. F. M., & Cranford, R. E. (2005). Clinical diagnosis of prolonged states of impaired consciousness in adults. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 8, 1037–1046.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature
About this entry
Cite this entry
Kean, J., Williams, T. (2018). Minimally Responsive State. In: Kreutzer, J.S., DeLuca, J., Caplan, B. (eds) Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_257
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57111-9_257
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-57110-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-57111-9
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science and PsychologyReference Module Humanities and Social SciencesReference Module Business, Economics and Social Sciences