Neuroscience/Coma

Objectives

Define normal consciousness and distinguish alertness from awareness
Discuss the brain structures responsible for alertness and awareness and anatomically localize the site of the lesion producing impaired consciousness in a given patient
Define delirium and describe risk factors for its development
Devise a differential diagnosis for a comatose patient
Describe a clinical approach to assessment of the patient with impaired level of consciousness
Define the terms brain death and persistent vegetative state, and discuss the criteria used in making these diagnoses.