Disorders of Consciousness: Handbook of Clinical Neurology (Series Editors: Aminoff, Boller and Swaab), Vol. 90 Book

Section 1: Theory and practice:

Consciousness: concepts, neurobiology, terminology of impairments, theoretical models and philosophical background. Consciousness: its neurological relevance.

Section 2: Syndromes of impaired consciousness:

Delirium in the critically ill patient. Coma and stupor. Herniation. The vegetative and minimally conscious states.

Section 3: Specific entities:

Metabolic encephalopathies. Nutritional disorders. Coma induced by intoxication. Ischemic stroke and anoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Infectious etiologies of altered consciousness. Traumatic brain injury. Seizures and impairment of consciousness. Syncope. Altered consciousness associated with brain neoplasms. Abnormal conscious state and coma in transplant recipients. Pregnancy and coma. Psychogenic unresponsiveness and nonepileptic seizures. Coma in childhood.

Section 4: Management issues:

Management of the comatose patient. Ethical issues in the management of patients with impaired consciousness.