Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) Rehabilitation

The TIRR Memorial Hermann Disorders of Consciousness (DoC) Program focuses on patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious state. Although these patients are often not ready to begin a traditional rehabilitation program, they can significantly benefit from a program that specializes in treating disorders of consciousness. The Disorders of Consciousness Program applies state-of-the-art advances to assess and treat these patients to help maximize their potential recoveries and outcomes.

Studies have shown that 35 to 40% of patients with disorders of consciousness are misdiagnosed and undertreated. Frequently thought of as vegetative, many are either conscious or minimally conscious.¹

What Are Disorders of Consciousness?

A disorder of consciousness is a condition of altered consciousness in which a patient has severely impaired levels of awareness and wakefulness. Examples include patients who are in coma, a vegetative state or a minimally conscious state.

What Causes Disorders of Consciousness?

A disorder of consciousness is often seen following a severe traumatic brain injury, an anoxic brain injury or stroke.

¹ Advancing Best Practices in the Treatment of Patients with Disorders of Consciousness

The Disorders of Consciousness Program treats patients who are still unconscious or have just recovered consciousness. This includes patients who are not yet communicating or following commands, and patients who have just begun to communicate or follow commands but do so inconsistently.

We have a knowledgeable outpatient interdisciplinary team that may include:

• Physical therapist
• Occupational therapist
• Speech language pathologist
• Neuropsychologist
• Clinical social worker
• Vocational counselor
• Wheelchair seating and positioning specialist
• Chaplain

Additional team members of an inpatient stay may include:

• Affiliated rehabilitation physician
• Rehabilitation nursing
• Therapeutic recreation therapist
• Music therapist
• Clinical pharmacist
• Case Manager
• Nutritionist

The TIRR Memorial Hermann team works with patients and their families to:

• Assess the patient’s current level of consciousness
• Evaluate treatable medical or neurological barriers to the recovery of consciousness
• Improve the patient’s level of alertness through medications and other therapeutic interventions
• Identify ways to establish consistent communication
• Initiate an intensive mobility program, beginning with sitting in a wheelchair and progressing to standing
• Address spasticity and contractures to maximize potential for functional recovery
• Utilize recent technological advances, as needed to enhance outcomes
• Prevent secondary complications and reduce the risk of recurrent hospitalizations
• Offer specialized education, training and support for families and caregivers
• Provide opportunities to participate in the latest research on assessing and treating disorders of consciousness

Disorders of Consciousness Educational Resources

Online education resources for patients and professionals are available to you and your loved ones.

DoC Education Resources

To make a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call 1 (800) 44-REHAB (73422), (713) 797-5942, fax (713) 797-5988 or fill out our online forms by clicking the buttons below.

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