Because of this inconsistency, extended assessment may be required to determine if a simple response (e.g. a finger movement or a blink) occurred because of a specific environmental event (e.g. a command to move the finger or to blink) or was merely a coincidental behavior. Distinguishing between VS and MCS is often difficult because the diagnosis is dependent on observation of behavior that show self or environmental awareness and because those behavioral responses are markedly reduced. One of the more common diagnostic errors involving disorders of consciousness is mistaking MCS for VS which may lead to serious repercussions related to clinical management.Giacino et al. have suggested demonstration of the following behaviors in order to make the diagnosis of MCS. Following simple commands. Gestural or verbal yes/no responses (regardless of accuracy). Intelligible verbalization. Purposeful behavior such as those that are contingent due to appropriate environmental stimuli and are not reflexive. Some examples of purposeful behavior include:
appropriate smiling or crying in response to the linguistic or visual content of emotional but not to neutral topics or stimuli. vocalizations or gestures that occur in direct response to the linguistic content of questions. reaching for objects that demonstrates a clear relationship between object location and direction of reach. touching or holding objects in a manner that accommodates the size and shape of the object. pursuit eye movement or sustained fixation that occurs in direct response to moving or salient stimuli. Treatment
There is currently no definitive evidence that support altering the course of the recovery of minimally conscious state.
Mucolipidosis type I (ML I) is an inherited lysosomal storage disease that results from a deficiency of the enzyme alpha-N -acetyl neuraminidase (sialidase). The lack of this enzyme results in an abnormal accumulation of complex carbohydrates known as mucopolysaccharides, and of fatty substances known as mucolipids. Both of these substances accumulate in bodily tissues. Presentation
Symptoms of ML I are either present at birth or develop within the first year of life. In many infants with ML I, excessive swelling throughout the body is noted at birth. These infants are often born with coarse facial features, such as a flat nasal bridge, puffy eyelids, enlargement of the gums, and excessive tongue size (macroglossia). Many infants with ML I are also born with skeletal malformations such as hip dislocation. Infants often develop sudden involuntary muscle contractions (called myoclonus) and have red spots in their eyes (cherry red spots). They are often unable to coordinate voluntary movement (called ataxia). Tremors, impaired vision, and seizures also occur in children with ML I. Tests reveal abnormal enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly) and spleen (splenomegaly) and extreme abdominal swelling. Infants with ML I generally lack muscle tone (hypotonia) and have mental retardation that is either initially or progressively severe. Many patients suffer from failure to thrive and from recurrent respiratory infections. Most infants with ML I die before the age of 1 year. Related conditions
Other diseases that result from a deficiency in the sialidase enzyme are categorized in a broader group known as sialidoses.