Muscular-tonic disorders in a vegetative and a minimal consciousness states

Muscular-tonic disorders (MTD) in prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDoC), including a vegetative state (VS) and a minimal consciousness state (MCS), are poorly understood.

Aim. To systematize MTD in PDoC, to highlight the features of their dynamics depending on the change in consciousness.

Material and methods. 87 patients in PDoC (VS — 52, MCS — 35) resulting from brain damage of diff erent etiology, lasting from 2 months up to 10 years. MTD, provoking hyperkinesis factors and consciousness were analyzed retrospectively in the dynamics and complex.

Results. MTD had 98% of patients in PDoC. The ratio of occurrence of spasticity: hyperkinesis: postural spasms corresponded to 11:11:10, and hyperkinesis — dystonia: myoclonus/myokymia: athetosis: stereotypes: ballism: choreiform hyperkinesis: tremor — 17:10:6:3:2:1:1. Their clinical variants and features are noted. The total dynamics of MTD on improved consciousness was as follows. In general, regardless of the initial VS or MCS, their “change” (especially decrease) prevailed over “no changes” (p < 0.001). Comparatively more often the decrease occurred in MCS “plus” (p < 0.05); appearance/increase/modifi cation — in VS (p < 0.05); “no changes” — in MCS “minus” (p < 0.01). When considered separately, spasticity, dystonia, spasms, hemiballismus and stereotypy in MCS “plus” correlated (p < 0.01) with the change of consciousness. The key provoking hyperkinesis factors in VS were pain and other sensory infl uences (p < 0.01), but their role from MCS “minus” to MCS “plus” decreased, while the role both conscious emotions and movements increased (p < 0.01).

Conclusion. Along with academic interest, the data are promising in developing the prognosis, pathogenesis and treatment of PDoC.

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