Understanding Disorders of Consciousness
A Disorder of Consciousness (DoC) can affect a brain injury patient’s wakefulness, responsiveness and awareness. Recovery often moves through stages and progress can look different from one person to another. As we learn more about your loved one, your care team will discuss what these stages may mean for your family. Common terms you may hear include:
- Coma: Eyes closed; no awareness of the environment and no sleep-wake cycles
- Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS): Eyes may open; basic sleep-wake cycles may appear to return
- Minimally conscious state (MCS): Inconsistent signs of purposeful or meaningful response that are different from reflexive movements
- Emerged from MCS (eMCS): Consistent, intentional behaviors that show awareness of self and surroundings
Craig’s DoC Treatment Philosophy
Craig follows evidence-based guidelines established by national experts in DoC care. Our pathway is built on an integrated approach that encompasses the following:
- Interdisciplinary, comprehensive assessment
- Treatment that supports health and recovery
- Intensive care partner training and support
Assessment: Getting to Know Your Loved One
During the first days of admission, our interdisciplinary team works to understand your loved one’s medical and neurologic needs. Evaluations may include:
- Level-of-consciousness evaluations
- Brain imaging and neurologic testing
- Review of body systems (lungs, skin, bones, muscles, bowel and bladder, sleep, and more)
- Motor, sensory, communication and cognitive assessments
These assessments help tailor treatment and guide important conversations about next steps.
Treatment: Supporting Comfort, Health and Connection
Your loved one’s treatment plan is guided by what we learn during assessment. The care plan may include:
- Medical stabilization and prevention of complications
- Support for daytime alertness and healthy sleep
- Pain management
- Early mobility, such as sitting in a wheelchair when appropriate
- Managing spasticity and contractures
- Structured sensory and therapeutic interventions
- Ongoing monitoring of consciousness
- Encouraging meaningful interaction and connection
Intensive Care Partner Training and Support: Traveling The Path Together
Care partners are central to an individual’s recovery journey. From the moment you arrive at Craig, we work alongside you to build the skills needed to care for your loved one and prepare for the next steps after Craig. Our aim is for care partners to gain the training, resources and confidence needed to be ready for a transition out of the hospital. Training and support may include:
- Team conferences: Clear conversations about progress, needs and next steps
- Hands-on training: Daily care skills with our team by your side, including medication, nutrition, skin care, personal care, mobility, equipment use and more
- Home preparation: Guidance on home setup, equipment needs and a supervised independent living trial when appropriate
- Community readiness: Practice with real-world activities and exploration of accessible transportation options
- Future planning: Help navigating living arrangements, insurance, long-term planning, and community or government supports
Early and consistent collaboration helps care partners gain confidence and clarity about what to expect. We understand how challenging it can be to support someone experiencing a DoC. We have a robust team of support at Craig that is available to help and encourage your emotional well-being throughout the process.
Learn More About DoC Recovery
For more information about recovery after a DoC, explore our educational resources:
Disorders of Consciousness and Brain Injury Recovery