ABSTRACT
The treatment of individuals with prolonged disorders of consciousness following trauma or other insults to the brain remains a challenge. This chapter reviews de nitions of low arousal states, the neurophysiology of consciousness, the pathophysiology of alterations of consciousness, and the basic underlying neurotransmitter functions that may be affected by injury. Neurotransmitter systems provide a potential target for pharmacologic manipulation. The goal of drug treatment is to improve arousal and attention, thereby facilitating neurologic recovery. Medications that may be useful in the treatment of disorders of consciousness will be reviewed and organized by the neurotransmitter systems through which they exert their effects. Although still in its infancy, our understanding of neurotransmitter interactions and cognitive function will serve as the foundation upon which novel drug therapies will someday be developed.
