The Post-traumatic Vegetative State

Foreword 1. Introduction Concept of the Vegetativ State 2. Preliminary notions Etiology Epidemiology Neuroanatomophatology 3. Neurophisiophatology Relationship to the outside world Relationship to the inside world Hypotesis of functional cerebral organzation during the postraumatic vegetative state 4.Clinical Picture General consideration Medical aspects and complication Neurological aspects Prognostic value of neurological signs Recovery of conscionsness Differential diagnosis Prognosis and outcome Assessment of vegetative state 5. Ancillary Examination Laboratory Neuroradiology in the vegetative state Assestment Electrophysiology 6. Therapy Medical therapy Deep brain stimulation Surgical Therapy Types und Techniques of sensory stimulation 7. Management practical guide General information Observation pf the general state Pharmacological therapy and adminiatrsation Hygiene Prevention and treatment of decubitus Management of sphincter activity Evaluation of nutritional aspects and methods Treatment in the gym Respiratory treatment Verticalization Hydrotherapy Positionning the patient on the wheel chair Treatment of swallowing disturbances Evaluation and treatment of spasticity Orthopedic measures Neurosurgical measures Heterotopic ossification Management of tracheostomizet patient 8. Minimal responsive syndrome 9. Ethical aspects 10. The relationship with family members Guide lines The treatment of families with patients in vegetative state : their adjustment and interaction with hospital staff 11.Covert cognitive abilities of a person with an altered consciousness 12. Intensive care unit for vegetative state planning guide-lines