Ann Rehabil Med.  2012 Jun;36(3):428-431. 10.5535/arm.2012.36.3.428.

A Learning Set Up for Detecting Minimally Conscious State (MCS)

• Kim EJ
• Park JM
• Kim WH
• Lee KL
• Kim HN
• Lee KE
• Park JJ
• Ahn KO

• KMID: 2266753
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5535/arm.2012.36.3.428

Abstract

Detecting signs of learning in persons diagnosed to be in a post-coma vegetative state and minimally conscious state (MCS) may modify their diagnosis. We report the case of a 65-year-old female in a vegetative state. We used microswitch-based technology that is based on patient response to eye-blinking. We followed an ABABCB design, in which A represented baseline periods, B intervention periods with stimuli contingent on the responses, and C a control condition with stimuli presented non-contingently. We observed the level of response during the B phases was higher than the level of A and C phases. This indicated the patient showed signs of learning. This state was confirmed by an evaluation through the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRSR) score, and after completion of this study her CRSR score changed from 4 to 10. We believe microswitch technology may be useful to make a diagnosis of MCS and offer new opportunities for education to MCS patients.

Keyword

Minimally conscious state; Microswitch-based technology; Learning sign

MeSH Terms

Aged
Coma
Female
Humans
Learning
Persistent Vegetative State

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A picture of the microswitch including the optic sensor connected on the eyeglasses.

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  Fig. 2 A diagram of the optic microswitch.

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  Fig. 3 The frequencies of target responses (eye blink) per session. (A) Baseline periods without stimuli. (B) Intervention periods with stimuli contingent on the Response. (C) Control periods with stimuli non contingently.

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