Post-Acute Level Of Consciousness scale revised (PALOC-sr): proposal to adjust a scale to classify the level of consciousness of people with long-term consciousness disorder.
Eilander, H.J., van Erp, W.S., Driessen, D.M.F., Overbeek, B.U.H., & Lavrijsen, J.C.M
17 November 2020Summary
Determining the level of consciousness of people with a long-term disorder of consciousness is a difficult task both in clinical practice and in conducting scientific research. Twenty years ago, the 'Post-Acute Level Of Consciousness scale' (PALOC-s) was developed for this purpose. New insights make it necessary to revise the classification of eight hierarchical levels described therein and to adapt the terminology, while retaining the substantive description of the eight levels. This article explains the proposed changes and presents the revised scale in the form of the PALOC-sr. This revision can be validated in ongoing and future outcome studies.
Keywords
PALOC-sr, Long-Term Disorder of Consciousness (LBS), Brain Injury, Behavioral Observation Instrument, Early Intensive Neurorehabilitation (VIN)