[From the vegetative state to unresponsive wakefulness: a historical review].

Introduction: Over the last few decades, the terminology, diagnostic techniques and treatment of patients with altered levels of consciousness have varied considerably. At the same time, the percentage of patients in this clinical situation has undergone a marked increase.

Aims: The purpose of this study is to present a historical review of the different terms that have been used in the medical literature to describe patients with altered states of consciousness.