This is a condition that refers to loss of cognitive neurological function and awareness of the environment but retention of non cognitive function and a preserved sleep-awake cycle. It is sometimes described as being technically alive, but his/her brain is dead. It is a state that the patient loses the higher cerebral powers of the brain but the functions of the brainstem, such as respiration, circulation, remain relatively intact. Spontaneous movements may occur and the eyes may open in response to external stimuli, but the patient does not speak or obey commands. They may appear somewhat normal. They may occasionally grimace, cry or laugh (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health 1999).

An estimated 6,000 Americans are in a vegetative and another 100,000 Americans exist in some state of partial consciousness. We know there is a bell curve of consciousness, a range of symptoms and prospects for recovery among such patients (Goodman, E., 2006).

The outcome for vegetative states depends on the cause and on the location, severity, and extend of neurological damage: outcomes range from recovery to death. People may emerge from vegetative states with a combination of physical, intellectual, and psychological difficulties that needs special attention.

Recovery usually occurs gradually, with patients acquiring more and more ability to respond. Some patients never progress beyond very basic responses, but may recover full awareness. Patients recovering from coma require close medical supervision. Some patients may regain a degree of awareness after vegetative state. Others may remain in a vegetative state for years or even decades. The most common causes of the death for a person in a vegetative state is infection such as pneumonia.