Special Considerations in Behavioral Assessments for Disorders of Consciousness

Abstract

Behavioral assessment remains the cornerstone of the clinical evaluation of disorders of consciousness (DoC). Because the basic approach to these evaluations has been extensively reviewed elsewhere, this article focuses on special considerations in the behavioral assessment of patients with a DoC. All therapy disciplines (physical therapy/occupational therapy/speech language pathologist) have a significant role to play and other staff and family members should also be encouraged to share their observations. Finally, the assessment with standardized scales should be supplemented by qualitative behavioral observations as well as, when appropriate, an individualized quantitative behavioral assessment.

Keywords: Behavioral assessment; Bias; Disorders of consciousness (DoCs); Mindset; Qualitative assessment; Quantitative assessment; Rehabilitation; Therapist.