Minimally conscious state: definition, diagnostic criteria and clinical features of consciousness disorder

The minimally conscious state (MCS) results from coma or vegetative state (VS) after acute brain injury, also from degenerative or congenital nervous system disorders. These patients with severe disorders in consciousness do not meet diagnostic criteria for coma or VS. MCS is characterized by inconsistent but discernible behavioral evidence of consciousness. It is important to distinguish the patients in MCS from those in coma or VS because preliminary findings suggest that there are significant differences in outcome. In this article, the authors have summarized the definition, diagnostic criteria and clinical features of disorders of consciousness about the MCS.