8E20

ICD-11 MMS 2026-01

Persistent vegetative state

Description

Subacute or chronic state of severe disturbance of consciousness lasting at least a month, characterised by the recovery of cyclic arousal states mimicking sleep/wake cycles after a severe brain injury. Patients with this condition are unresponsive and show no evidence of awareness of themselves or their environment. Cardiopulmonary and visceral autonomic regulation is maintained by the brainstem.

Index terms

  • Persistent vegetative state
  • Apallic syndrome
  • Unresponsive wakefulness syndrome

Exclusions from above levels

  • 05 – Endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases
  • 18 – Complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
  • 19 – Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
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  • 22 – Injury, poisoning or certain other consequences of external causes

Sibling codes

  • 8E21 – Permanent vegetative state
  • 8E22 – Minimally conscious state
  • 8E2Y – Other specified disorders of consciousness
  • 8E2Z – Disorders of consciousness, unspecified

Foundation entity

Persistent vegetative state – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/920441900

Part of: 08: Diseases of the nervous system