Overview of Disorders of Consciousness - Body and Mind

The more you understand the parts and functions of the brain, how each can be affected after severe brain injury, and what treatments are available, the better equipped you will be to make informed decisions about your loved one’s physical and psychological care.

Digital graphic of a face looking up at a burst of colorful lines

What Are Disorders of Consciousness?

The term “disorder of consciousness” (DoC) describes a group of conditions that involve difficulty with awareness that includes coma, unresponsive wakefulness syndrome/vegetative state, and minimal conscious state.

A neurologist uses a pen to point to an MRI on a computer monitor

What Part of the Brain Is Damaged in a Person with a Disorder of Consciousness?

Showing what part of the brain is damaged in a person with a disorder of consciousness

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