How long is it in minimally conscious state? Smiles and odd laugh at moment .

[Lemon-trees]

4 months post hypoxic bi. From coma to vs to MCS . My partner is giving odd smiles, a slight laugh at 1-2 jokes, tracks with eyes , lifts neck and pulls away at pants when he's wet himself . He is moving a lot on the bed wiggles around too trying to scoot off the bed! It's like his body is more alert than his brain. Still no sq of hands etc. He did try to put his arms hands up across his face when I accidentally splashed some cold water on his face . Is this a good sign?

I'd love to hear how long it was before the next stage of consciousness . And signs other than the ones I mentioned. He's in rehab so I'm hoping it will be more improvement .

[Lynd]

Hi Lemon - trees

I am only my husband's carer not a brain injury surviver but from my perspective I know how every day you are desperate for signs of recovery and how long.

I have learned that everybody is different and you can't really compare one person to another.

It is great that he in rehab and his brain injury will have full attention now.

I know how you feel and all I can say is prepare yourself for a long job and don't neglect your own needs. It is important to have a bit of life away from rehab. I didn't and I got totally stressed out.

Take care x

[cat3]

As Lynd has said, consciousness states are impossible to compare. The waiting is frustrating and scary for loved ones as brain injuries are so much more specific to the individual than any other type of injury. It's rough when communication is on hold and the loved one is temporarily shut out ; if only we could fast-forward to a better time.

Make space in your own head for less worrying stuff ; keep talking to others, and rest whenever you can...……..it'll keep you stronger for what are, hopefully, much better (though tiring) days ahead for you and your man.

Best wishes to you both Lemon-trees. Cat x

[Angelia1234]

Hes coming around, thats great! I posted at one point just like you where Russ' body was ahead of his mind. Also the hand squeezes came after he was truly conscious. He gave me kisses before he squeezed hands. If hes tracking with his eyes, make him poster boards of familiar things to put up in his room. Stay strong. Russ was coma 2 wks, vs 1-2 wks, minimal conscious 4-6 wks. Then there were confused periods, hallucinations, memory troubles. Just keep tracking ANY progress !!

[Lemon-trees in reply to Angelia1234]

Jus feel so scared that this is it and he won't improve dr say thst after 6 months if he doesn't show leaps of improvement he may simply just stay as this ? . He's steadying his upper body and neck with physio help. And looks around the room if I wheel him off the ward to another room or corridor . Opens his mouth now for oral care and doesn't bite back!

The agony of not knowing is driving me insane! Did you agonise whilst you waited? And did anyone do a smart test? How reliable is that ?

[Angelia1234 in reply to Lemon-trees]

I was told the same. I felt the same. I always thought "what if this is it". Keep praying. Russ is 10 months out and still improving. I cant promise you anything of course, but keep trying new things and treating him like a person. Sometimes the drs dont.

Russ never had any smart tests, not sure what that is.

If your guy is opening for oral care, try a lil salty, suckers, sour candy etc. Stimulate his senses. Play tv and music all day when hes awake. You never know whats gonna trigger the brain. Bring things for him to smell. I rubbed lotion on his legs and he'd start lifting his leg up to me. I clipped his nails and he'd stay still - shows he was aware. Careful though of course.

Be creative.