Functioning and disability of children and youth with disorders of consciousness

Background and Aim: The ICF-CY represents an update of ICF clas- sification in a developmental perspective. Aim of the present presentation is to describe functioning and disability of children and youth in Vegeta- tive State (VS) and Minimally Conscious State (MCS) through a direct application of ICF-CY categories.
Material and Method: Children in VS and MCS were enrolled in post- acute and long-term facilities as well as at home. ICF-CY questionnaires were administered by researchers that received a specific ICF-based train- ing. Information were derived from available clinical documentation as well as from direct observation of children and from information derived from parents or legal representatives of children and adolescents.
Results: A total of 36 children, of whom 22 in VS, were included; 25 were males and the majority developed VS and MCS following a non- traumatic event, none of them were in long-term care institutions. Mean age was 114.8 months and mean duration of condition was 50.1 months. Percentage of utilisation of ICF-CY Body Functions categories were from the chapters of mental functions and mobility. Among Body Structures, most of the categories were from the chapter of movement-related structures. Activities & Participation categories were from the first chap- ter and Environmental Factors categories were equally distributed between four chapters and were described as facilitators.
Conclusion: The use of ICF-CY enables to obtain a realistic and specific profile of functioning for each child that can be coupled with known issues such as loss of brain functions and provision of life-sustaining interventions.