Patients in MCS: Misdiagnosis is ethical issue.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. Misdiagnosis is a major ethical concern involving patients in the minimally conscious state who demonstrate behaviors suggestive of consciousness episodically and intermittently. * Minimally conscious individuals may have a higher level of integrative cognitive function than they are able to manifest behaviorally. * Patients who are vegetative can move into a minimally conscious state due to recovery of higher cortical function. * Patients are subject to reimbursement strategies that do not adequately cover their needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]