Table 3.

Patient AC’s responses profile on the first and second administration of the DOC response profile

Date	Movement	Response profile
10/20101 month longassessment uponadmission (6 monthspost injury)	Turns head right and left, double blink	Instructions: verbal, oralCommunication: noneEnhancing conditions:Instructions repeated 5–6 times.Quiet environmentRestricting conditions:—Response time: 40–50 s from initial instructionConsistency:During one session: 2–3 timesAfter 10–15 min from the beginning of treatment a noticeable decline in responses.During intervention period: responses noted in most treatment sessions.Notes: responses performed slowly.
11/2010–01/2011summary after 3 months of intervention (7–9 months post injury)	Turns head right and left, double blink	Instructions: verbal, oralCommunication: noneEnhancing conditions:Instructions repeated 3–5 times.Quiet environment.Encouraging tone of voice.Presence of family memberRestricting conditions:—Response time: 20–30 s from initial instruction.Consistency:During one session: 4–5 times for each response. After 20 min of treatment a marked decline in ability to respond.During intervention period: Responses seen during most treatment sessions.Notes: responses performed slowly.
	Elbow movement**Extension = yesFlexion = no	Instructions: verbal–oral and active assisted (support to elbow)Communication: present. Flex = no, extend = yes. Answers autobiographical questions, general knowledge questions,Enhancing conditions:Instructions repeated 2–3 times.Restricting Conditions: noneResponse time: 10 s from initial instruction.Consistency:During one session: answers 5–7 questions/session. After 20 min a marked decrease in ability to respond.During intervention period: Responses seen in most sessions.Notes:Responses performed slowly.Elbow responses were practiced 2–3 times as idiosyncratic gesture before becoming reliable yes/no communication.AC required rest for 30–60 s after 5–6 min of therapy.After the rest AC required a reminder and further practice to perform the yes/no communication sign

**According to DOC Response Assessment Guidelines indicates yes/no communication.