Importance, limits and caveats of the use of “disorders of consciousness” to theorize consciousness
Neuroscience of Consciousness December 1, 2021 B. Hermann, A. Sangaré, E. Munoz-Musat et al.
Patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC), such as vegetative state (VS) or minimally conscious state (MCS), offer a unique way to test theories about consciousness by dissociating vigilance from conscious experience. This article reviews major findings in DoC research, proposes a taxonomy, and highlights limitations. A purely behavioral approach is insufficient to assess conscious state. Comparing MCS and VS does not provide a clean contrast between conscious and unconscious states. Based on resting-state PET data, behavioral MCS reflects a cortically mediated state that does not necessarily imply preserved consciousness.