A learning assessment procedure as a test supplement for monitoring progress with two post-coma persons with a diagnosis of vegetative state

作者：Lancioni Giulio^*; Singh Nirbhay; O'Reilly Mark; Olivetti Marta; de Tommaso Marina; Navarro Jorge; Colonna Fabio; Lanzilotti Crocifissa; Buonocunto Francesca; Sacco Valentina

来源：Developmental Neurorehabilitation, 2011, 14(6): 358-365.

DOI：10.3109/17518423.2011.605076

• Learning
• consciousness
• vegetative state
• minimally conscious state

Objective: Evaluating a learning assessment procedure for monitoring progress with two post-coma adults with a diagnosis of vegetative state.
Method: ABABCBCB and ABABCB designs were used for the two participants, with A representing baseline, B intervention and C control conditions. Participants' activation of an optic microswitch by eyelid closure produced stimulation during B phases.
Results: One participant increased responding during B phases and decreased it during the C condition, suggesting a non-reflective minimal level of consciousness. She showed P300 and mismatch negativity responses and scored at the vegetative level on the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R). The other participant increased responding during the initial B phases without decline during the first (viable) part of the C condition, suggesting a pre-conscious level. He showed indistinct P300 and mismatch negativity responses and vegetative-level scores on the CRS-R.
Conclusion: Learning data seemed reconcilable with neurophysiological measures and more positive than CRS-R scores.

• 出版日期2011