Disorders of Consciousness
Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) is a condition of altered consciousness that exists on a spectrum ranging from coma (no wakefulness or awareness), to unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS) (wakefulness without awareness), to minimally conscious state (MCS) where definite but sometimes inconsistent signs of awareness are present.
There are a wide range of common causes for this condition, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Severe physical impact from car crashes, falls, or assaults
- Anoxic Brain Injury: Loss of oxygen to the brain, such as after cardiac arrest
- Stroke or Hemorrhage: Damage impacting specific core brain networks controlling arousal and awareness
Studies have shown that 35 to 40% of patients with disorders of consciousness are misdiagnosed and undertreated. 1
1 Advancing Best Practices in the Treatment of Patients with Disorders of Consciousness
Benefits of DoC Rehabilitation
The Burke Rehabilitation DoC program provides coordinated medical and rehabilitation care for patients with severe acquired brain injury who demonstrate minimal, inconsistent, or emerging signs of consciousness (MCS).
Our program is designed to:
- Perform serial JFK Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) to identify meaningful changes in arousal, awareness, communication, and responses over time. Optimize alertness and participation through individualized medication management, sleep wake regulation, positioning, sensory strategies, and medical care
- Build communication strategies and mobility using individualized strategies, assistive technology, and progressive activities from positioning through standing and walking
- Prevent and manage medical complications including pain, spasticity, contractures, autonomic dysfunction, aspiration, pressure injuries, infections, and blood clots
- Educate and support families and caregivers to recognize meaningful responses, participate in care, and prepare for the next stage of recovery
The Burke Difference
Recovery from DoC requires more than isolated therapy sessions. Our experience, expertise, and healing environment create a proven approach that improves outcomes, independence, and quality of life.
Certified DoC Specialists
Your Burke care team puts you at the center of goal setting and treatment. Team members meet weekly to discuss how you’re doing and adjust your personalized care plan, so you make steady progress.
Specialized DoC Services
- Cognitive Therapy
- Neurologic Music Therapy
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- Swallowing Therapy, including Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation & FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Palliative Care
- The Marsal Caregiver Center
- All families and caregivers in the DoC Program have access to the Marsal Caregiver Center, located in Burke Rehabilitation Hospital
- Caregivers and family form a deep partnership with the clinical team to help guide the next stages of recovery
- Burke incorporates family observations, personal preferences, familiar voices and interests, and meaningful activities into assessment and treatment
- State-of-the-art radiology suites including X-Rays, Ultrasound, and CT Scanner
State-of-the-Art Therapeutic Equipment
Burke Rehabilitation provides advanced technology, such as robotic therapy for walking, computer-based visual and cognitive training exercises, and electrical stimulation devices for legs, arms, and hands. Technology includes:
- Body weight supported treadmill to improve balance and walking
- Ceiling-mounted systems and robot-assisted technology to optimize motor recovery
- Electrical stimulation to improve walking or use of arms/hands
- Vibration Therapy
