Scientific final report research project 'Early Intensive Neurorehabilitation (VIN) of children or adolescents in a vegetative or low-conscious state after severe brain injury
Eilander, H.J., Wijnen, V.J.M., & Heutink, M.
15 December 2005Introduction
The problems of people who are unconscious for a long time (more than one month) as a result of serious brain injury is of great significance to all involved, family as well as practitioners. In many cases, it is not clear why the brain is unable to function in such a way that the patient can be 'reached'. Lack of knowledge about the complex brain and the lack of opportunities to investigate that brain in great detail have led to the formulation of diverse theories and thoughts, both by professionals and the general public, about people in an unconscious state after severe brain injury. As a result, there are views about what "coma patients" do and do not experience, about the possibilities for recovery and the way in which this should take place, and about the role that family should or should not play, which are not based on scientific findings.