The science of transitional states of consciousness is reviewed. Despite intensive study, determining the subjective experience of animals during transitional states of consciousness remains inherently limited. Until better assessment tools become available, behavior-based observations, such as loss of righting reflex/loss of posture, remain among our most useful guides to the onset of...
Impaired states of consciousness can be relatively easily identified, although it can occasionally be difficult to assess whether there is a pure disorder of wakefulness or awareness. Regardless, such impairments represent dysfunction of the brainstem and or cerebrum. Acute and severe impairments of consciousness can require immediate assessment, in part currently performed using the modified...