Recovery Trajectory for Coma and Disorders of Consciousness

This study aims to better understand recovery after coma caused by serious neurologic illness or injury. Patients who are unconscious (in a coma or disorder of consciousness) due to conditions such as stroke, cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, seizures, brain infection, or other neurologic emergencies may be enrolled during their hospitalization. The purpose of this observational research study is to learn which medical, neurologic, psychological, and social factors are associated with recovery over time. Researchers will collect information from the medical record during hospitalization, including details about the patient's illness, treatments received, brain imaging, and neurologic examinations. For patients who survive hospitalization, the study team will contact participants or their caregivers after discharge to assess recovery at scheduled time points using questionnaires and structured interviews about physical function, quality of life, emotional well-being, and daily activities. This study does not assign participants to any experimental treatment. Participation will not change the medical care patients receive. Information learned from this study may help improve future care for patients with coma and disorders of consciousness.