veg+state+notes+-+rachel

Vegetative State Notes
 * sometimes follows a coma
 * lasts much longer than a coma - multiple months
 * loose cognitive abilities
 * retain non-cognitive functions and sleep patterns
 * no brain function, but retains involuntary functions (breathing, blood circulation, etc)
 * external stimuli may cause eyes to open or other spontaneous movements to occur (even crying or laughing)
 * cannot speak, respond to demands, or wake up
 * chances of recovery are directly proportional to length of time in state (longer = lesser chance of recovery)
 * damaged cerebral hemisphere
 * brain stem remains unharmed