In the last 2 decades, the minimally conscious state has been distinguished conceptually
from the vegetative state and operational criteria for these diagnoses have been published.
Standardized and individualized assessment tools have been developed to assist with the
diagnosis of severe disorders of consciousness and the measurement of clinical
improvement. The natural course of recovery and the importance of key prognostic
predictors have been elucidated. Important advances have also been made in defining the …