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Table 1 Characteristics of a patient with a persistent vegetative status diagnosis (including atypical features) [15, 16]

From: Persistent vegetative state: an overview

Primitive chewing movements and involuntary swallowing-gag reflex.

Bulldog reflex.

Decorticate position (arm flexed, and legs extended).

Pathologic flexion/extension response (in some patientsā€™ absent motor response due to the early contractures and the predominant spasticity).

Lack of purposeful response to external stimuli.

Grasp reflexes.

Fumbling movements.

Often genitalia touching (specially in male patients).

Erections during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) Phase.

Spontaneous choreiform movements (of the head, limbs, and trunk).

Catatonic postures (e.g., salute position) that could be accompanied by dysautonomic features.

Opisthotonos.

Half sitting.

Non-purposeful limb movements and spontaneous gestures (e.g., smiling, crying, grunting, or screaming).