Coma and Disorders of consciousness (DoC) result from disruptions of neural systems and connections that regulate arousal and awareness. These terms encompass a spectrum of severity of illness due to a variety of modes and mechanisms of injury and lead to an enormous burden of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, Coma and DoC lead to a tremendous economic burden. For perspective, per 2010 USA data, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated a societal cost of over $76 billion dollars from traumatic brain injury alone!
Our understanding of Coma and DoC has evolved over the past 2 decades. With the application of functional neuroimaging and modern electrophysiological techniques to detect covert signs of consciousness, we now have novel diagnostic and prognostic tools in guiding management of our patients. We also have emerging empirical evidence suggesting benefit of treatment interventions and neuromodulation techniques to enhance recovery from coma. Additionally, in 2019, the Neurocritical Care Society launched the “Curing Coma Campaign” as the first global public health initiative to unify the concept of coma as a ‘treatable medical entity’ with the goal of promoting recovery of consciousness through early intervention and long-term support.
We are now at the brink of a major paradigm shift from pervasive nihilism to “awakening hope” in caring for our patients with coma and DoC. This topic collection is therefore intended to provide a comprehensive update of Coma and DoC to our readers including updates on modern diagnostic and prognostic tools and technology, emerging therapies, existing gaps as well as ongoing global initiative to improve the care of patients with coma and DoC. Research areas covered by this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
• Historical overview of Coma and DoC
• Available diagnostic and prognostic tools and existing gaps
• Existing and emerging therapies in coma and DoC
• Current state of Neuroprognostication of Coma and DoC
• Initiatives of the Curing Coma Campaign
• Future directions for Coma and Disorders of Consciousness.
• Review of interesting case (coma super save) with overview on focused management strategies
Coma and Disorders of consciousness (DoC) result from disruptions of neural systems and connections that regulate arousal and awareness. These terms encompass a spectrum of severity of illness due to a variety of modes and mechanisms of injury and lead to an enormous burden of morbidity and mortality. Additionally, Coma and DoC lead to a tremendous economic burden. For perspective, per 2010 USA data, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated a societal cost of over $76 billion dollars from traumatic brain injury alone!
Our understanding of Coma and DoC has evolved over the past 2 decades. With the application of functional neuroimaging and modern electrophysiological techniques to detect covert signs of consciousness, we now have novel diagnostic and prognostic tools in guiding management of our patients. We also have emerging empirical evidence suggesting benefit of treatment interventions and neuromodulation techniques to enhance recovery from coma. Additionally, in 2019, the Neurocritical Care Society launched the “Curing Coma Campaign” as the first global public health initiative to unify the concept of coma as a ‘treatable medical entity’ with the goal of promoting recovery of consciousness through early intervention and long-term support.
We are now at the brink of a major paradigm shift from pervasive nihilism to “awakening hope” in caring for our patients with coma and DoC. This topic collection is therefore intended to provide a comprehensive update of Coma and DoC to our readers including updates on modern diagnostic and prognostic tools and technology, emerging therapies, existing gaps as well as ongoing global initiative to improve the care of patients with coma and DoC. Research areas covered by this Research Topic include, but are not limited to:
• Historical overview of Coma and DoC
• Available diagnostic and prognostic tools and existing gaps
• Existing and emerging therapies in coma and DoC
• Current state of Neuroprognostication of Coma and DoC
• Initiatives of the Curing Coma Campaign
• Future directions for Coma and Disorders of Consciousness.
• Review of interesting case (coma super save) with overview on focused management strategies